NNBN - Supporting Business Growth - Issue 7 - August 2023

In our Autumn edition, we take a look back at what’s been happening around the NNBN community, our partners and supporters and other local news.

The last quarter has been an exciting time, not only for members of our NNBN community, but also the Finalists that were announced on 1st August for the first NNBN Awards. We received 170 entrants into the NNBN Awards and it totally blew us away with the level of entries that we received. Sitting here typing these notes, I feel pretty confident to say that the event will sell out in October when our Finalists will be recognised for their hard work and commitment to the County as we celebrate the success of businesses, charities, organisations and individuals at Kettering Park Hotel on Friday 6th October.

I’d like to thank BBC Radio Northampton, Beat Route Radio and Nlive Radio for their support of NNBN as I’ve been on air and interviewed over the last few months about the Awards and other business topics and we appreciate your support of our members as well as ourselves as we continue to grow.

Talking of Awards, I had the pleasure of supporting the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards this year by being a judge of one of the categories and we look forward to following the Awards with interest. Good luck everyone!

Digital NBN

Marie was present at the NL Awards in July as she presented the Award for the Best Beauty Salon in the category we sponsored and you can find out more about the evening and the winner further on in this publication.

Marie’s idea of an NNBN Summer Social was a great night as we held a laid back networking event in the glorious summer sun beaming into the Courtyard of The Chester House Estate. Over 60 people attended our BBQ which saw us meet friends and family of our members and enjoy some great hospitality from The Chester House team.

Finally, please do have a read through this quarter’s magazine, it’s another bumper edition and without our Members contributions, we wouldn’t be producing such a quality publication each quarter. Thank you all.

nnbn.co.uk

Simon Cox, Editor

Simon Cox

FEATURE

EDITORIAL

The Power of CRM

Town centre hotel rebrand

Drive for change in North Northants

We need to talk about loan sharks

NNBN supporting Northampton expo

North Northamptonshire Council

Bean Counters

West Northamptonshire Council

Lighting company partnership with charity

#ShowcasingBrackmills Campaign

New strategic transport model

What is the Good Business Charter?

Kings Awards

The power of CRM

Stay informed with new council magazine

Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards

HAI Robotics expansion to Northampton

Offical opening of Derngate extension

Rushden coffee shop raising cash for serve

Community Foundation recruiting trustees

Action Coach

Tiktok star shares success

NNBN Business awards

University of Leicester School of Business

EDITORIAL

Digital NBN

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher.

EDITORIAL

CREDITS: POPPPY DESIGN STUDIO LTD.

DPD robot heading to Raunds

Meet the member: Ian Griffiths

CO2 production from mobile phones

Success for Maison de Beaute at NL Awards

Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards

NNBN welcomes Shehnaaz Latif, Green Patch awarded international mark

Charity quiz and curry night

Introducing Vulcan Works

Meet the member: John Kellett

Community feature: The Royal British Legion

Award Winning PR company 10th birthday

What is NNBN?

Consultancy appoints HR superstar

Classic car show returns to Delapre Abbey

New Web & Words partnership

Need help for your business?

Tiktok sensation shares global success with Northamptonshire company

Councils join forces to build new Northamptonshire strategic transport model.

The Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards

Introducing Vulcan Works

TOWN CENTRE HOTEL REBRANDED AND UPGRADED AS PART OF SEVEN-FIGURE DEAL

A town centre hotel was rebranded and upgraded to four stars as part of a seven-figure investment programme hailed as a ‘pledge of faith’ in Northampton’s future. The Park Inn under the Radisson banner has been rebranded to the Northampton Town Centre Hotel by Accor and will become a Mercure next year. Parent company Accor announced the deal and said the revamped hotel will be a joint venture between real estate fund manager Frogmore and C1 Capital Partners.

The 146-room Mercure Northampton will be operated under a franchise agreement and the extensive renovation will see a real focus on the ‘market town’ history of Northampton, celebrating both the history and future of the Market Square.

General manager Simon Smith said: “This is the start of an exciting journey as we become the town centre’s first four-star hotel. It is a signal of intent and a pledge of faith in Northampton, where we want to establish ourselves as a real asset to the community.

“Business travellers will be able to use the hotel’s 12 meeting rooms – with a combined capacity of up to 600 guests – and the hotel’s business centre, while visitors to the town can enjoy home comforts and use as the perfect base to explore the town and county’s rich culture and heritage.

“The hotel will be themed around the concept of a Market Square, with concessions for small local independents. We already have Yellow Bourbon supplying our coffee area and we hope to develop partnerships with many other local businesses in the months to come to emphasis our commitment to the local area.”

The Park Inn joins Stifford Hall hotel in Thurrock, Essex in switching to Mercure as part of the deal.

Philip Lassman, Vice President Development, Accor Northern Europe commented: “It is great to see the continued expansion of the Mercure brand across the UK. These signings are the latest announcements within a strong pipeline across Europe, signifying the strength of the internationally recognised Mercure brand and industry-leading services to boost revenues for hotel owners, alongside the ability to retain the individual style and character of a boutique hotel.”

John Matthews, Director of Asset Management, Frogmore added: “These hotels offer great amenities for both business and leisure travellers. They are ideal properties for the Mercure brand and will benefit greatly from the power of Accor’s distribution and other services. Following the renovations, we look forward to working with Accor and seeing the success of both hotels.”

The hotel has recently benefited from the makeover of the nearby St Katherine’s Gardens and the redevelopment of the Market Square is expected to further regenerate the area.

Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), said: “It’s always pleasing to see a business commit its longterm future to Northampton and this investment is a real show of confidence in what lies ahead for the town centre.”

The Park Inn name was rebranded as ‘Northampton Town Centre Hotel’ in late June before officially becoming a Mercure next Spring.

DRIVE FOR CHANGE IN NORTH NORTHANTS – HAVE YOUR SAY ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

North Northamptonshire Council is asking residents and stakeholders to have their say on the council’s draft Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.

Central government expects all local authorities to develop electric vehicle infrastructure strategies and NNC’s draft strategy has been developed with input from the council’s Sustainable Communities Executive Advisory Panel and the town and parish council forums. Now NNC would like to hear from residents and other stakeholders on 10 policies which cover:

• Creation of an extensive EV charging network across North Northants

• Installing off-street Charging Hubs, with multiple connectors, in public NNC car parks

• EV charging in on-street locations to help meet future demand and make the transition easier

• Creation of one or more charging Superhubs

• Smart charging technologies to optimise the capacity of the energy network to support EV charging infrastructure

• New development and EV charging infrastructure

• Shared electric transport to provide an alternative and flexible alternative to ownership.

• Investment in EV infrastructure to support the development of a self-sustaining charging network.

• Support for EV uptake through trials, campaigns, public engagement, collaboration, and other initiatives.

1 2

“By 2030, it is estimated that there could in excess of 115,000 electric vehicles registered in North Northants, up from just over 3,000 now, so it is vital that we have the necessary infrastructure put in place to support this growth. This draft strategy puts in place policies to tackle some of the current barriers which residents might be facing, preventing them from being an electric vehicle user.”

3

“Road traffic currently accounts for a considerable proportion of North Northamptonshire’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, impacting on air quality, so making the switch to electric vehicles is going to be essential as we move towards 2030 and our pledge to be carbon neutral.”

The consultation will run until 11 October 2023 and can be completed via NNC’s consultation hub. Red the full article here

Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said:

Cllr Harriet Pentland, the council’s Executive Member for Climate and the Green Environment, said:

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT LOAN SHARKS –NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CREDIT UNION ISSUES STARK WARNING

With as many as three million people turning to an illegal money lender in the past three years, Northamptonshire based credit union Commsave has pledged its support and advice to families battling the cost of living crisis.

Research from not-for-profit organisation Fair4All Finance found that seven per cent of 18 to 75-year-olds said they or someone in their household had borrowed from an unlicensed or unauthorised informal money lender who charges interest – also known as a loan shark.

James Richards, Business Development Manager, Commsave, said: “The statistics are shocking. Loan sharks are exploiting the cost of living crisis to target struggling families and it’s important to know that this isn’t just something that happens on low income estates – it is increasingly common in workplaces and often comes in the form of befriending.

“A loan shark will often present themselves as friendly and trustworthy, but threats of physical harm are made when the victim struggles to maintain repayments and interest charges often run to four or five figures – with additional charges added on for missed repayments.

“It’s estimated that more than one million people in the UK are in debt to illegal money lenders and many feel too ashamed, embarrassed, or frightened to do anything. We need to be more open about this, support each other, and be aware of the threats and signs.”

Commsave, a UK wide organisation with its headquarters in Northampton, is urging people to be vigilant and steer clear of unregulated lending.

There are various things we can look out for to help us understand if someone may be a victim of illegal money lending:

• Declining health and wellbeing

• Difficulty managing finances – including late rent payments

• Becoming withdrawn

• Mention of a new friend

• Not being able to provide financial documents

• Reluctance to discuss financial situation

• Someone else being with them where money is concerned

• Receiving an unusual amount of mail or telephone calls

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) work to “identify, investigate, and prosecute illegal money lenders, commonly known as loan sharks”. They have a team of specialist investigators and Liaise Officers who work to bring prosecutions and support those who have used loan sharks.

Continue reading the article here

Northamptonshire Membership Organisation, NNBN, is backing the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition led by the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce this September.

Taking place at Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm on Thursday 7th September, the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition is going to be another great day for the County’s business community to come together with big names supporting the event.

Boxing legend, Frank Bruno MBE, will be attending as part of a Q&A session talking about his boxing career and his battle with mental health providing an amazing opportunity for local businesses to learn more about his career and inspirational story.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “The Northamptonshire Business Exhibition is a fantastic way to engage with new markets, strengthen relationships with existing contacts and learn what else is available to you in Northamptonshire.”

“The exhibition is a long established business exhibition which brings some of the largest organisations across the County together to fly the flag for the County’s business community and we’re delighted to be supporting the exhibition once again this year.”

“We’re grateful to the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce for their invitation to co-run the Speed Networking on the day where we’re expecting 100 businesses to attend in a fast paced frantic networking session and I would encourage businesses to engage in, not only the networking, but the exhibition itself with plenty happening throughout the day.”

Group Commercial Director of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Sunny Singh said “The Northamptonshire Business exhibition is all about you… our local business community. Come join us on 7th September for what promises to be a great day showcasing and promoting our diverse and tremendous Northamptonshire business community”

To book your free place at the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition visit www.northants-chamber. co.uk/events/northamptonshire-business-exhibition or email events@northants-chamber.co.uk to reserve your place.

NNBN SUPPORTING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION

North Northamptonshire Council is your new council, covering the geographical areas of Corby, East Northamptonshire , Kettering and Wellingborough.

North Northamptonshire has a proven track record as an attractive and highly successful place for people to work, invest, live, visit and grow.

It’s population has grown at one of the fastest rates in the country during the last few years and this is expected to continue, driven by it’s location within the Oxford to Cambridge Arc and the North Northamptonshire Garden Communities developments beginning to take shape.

It has special environmental qualities, great locational advantages, immense potential and ambition.

The Council provides a wide range of Business facing services and is dedicated to supporting your business to achieve its full potential, and ensuring North Northamptonshire is an attractive place for people to work, invest, live, visit and grow.

NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL BUSINESS SERVICES INCLUDE:

Economy and Regeneration

Support for start up and established businesses and information about funding and grants.

Visit website here

Business and Licencing

Advice on health and safety, business rates, food safety, trading standards and licencing.

Visit website here

Planning and Building Control

Advice on applications, building control, local searches, delivering growth and policy.

Visit website here

Waste and Recycling

The Council offers a competitive and reliable commercial waste service for local businesses

Visit website here

Selling to the Council

The Council purchase a wide range of goods and services each year, including from local suppliers. View website here

Partners: To ensure that we deliver on our Corporate Plan Key Commitments and priorities for both the economy ‘Safe and Thriving Places’ and the Climate Change Agenda ‘Green and Sustainable environment’, the Council is working with a range of Organisations: South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Northampton, Tresham College, Federation of Small Businesses, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Job Centre Plus.

For more details about our corporate plan visit here

BEAN COUNTERS

Bean Counters is here to address your accounting needs.

Whether you are a business owner looking for a comprehensive accounts, bookkeeping, and payroll service, a Sole Trader in need of assistance with Self-Assessment Tax Returns, or someone in search of Xero cloud software training, this team can provide the ideal solution for you.

Bean Counters is a boutique cloud accounting practice based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and has been a proud recipient of multiple awards since its establishment in 2014. Their expertise and commitment to excellence make them a top choice for all your accounting needs.

They are proud of their award-winning services, which are not only cost-effective but also highly efficient. Dedicated to achieving and surpassing their clients’ targets and business objectives while delivering an exceptional standard of service. No matter the size of your business, they offer competitive rates for all your accounting and bookkeeping needs. As a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, you can count on them to provide the relevant reports you and your accountant require, precisely when you need them.

Efficient accounting services are vital to the growth and sustainability of any business, regardless of its age. Keeping your books in top shape throughout the year is crucial to ensuring smooth operations and making sound business decisions. It’s crucial to consider a reliable and long-term accounting solution that can accommodate your growing needs, as this is a vital aspect of your business.

Meet Wendy Tate: A certified AAT Accountant, International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP) Member, and International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) Fellow. She’s also a Xero Gold Champion

Partner and the owner of Bean Counters -your goto accounting expert.

For five years, Wendy expertly led the AAT Northampton Branch as its Chair. Now, she has resigned to focus solely on collaborating with the AAT Education Team. Her extensive knowledge in bookkeeping and computerised accounts makes her a valuable subject expert on various projects. With an extensive working background in a local marketing firm, Wendy collaborated with top-tier publishers such as Financial Times, Money Facts, Haymarket, and EMAP, among others. Her valuable corporate expertise gives her the ability to provide effective and practical advice to her clients.

West Northamptonshire Council is the single unitary council responsible for providing a range of public services to residents and businesses in the areas of Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire.

We want West Northants to be a place where everyone can thrive and the Council is committed to helping to provide the framework and conditions to make this ambition a reality. We work with employers, universities, colleges and agencies to give people, the skills and qualifications that businesses really want, to support more people into better-paid jobs. We invest in strengthening existing and creating new, employment locations, so that all parts of West Northamptonshire are able to contribute to and benefit from, growth as part of a thriving area. This includes hosting world class industries including high tech, engineering motorsports, logistics, financial services and having a valuable shoemaking heritage. We’re investing in growing our leading business sectors and driving improved productivity and pay across the economy. West Northants sits in the middle of the Oxford – Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership and acts as an opportunity to actively drive growth, seek investment and progress infrastructure developments. The Council is also making it easier to set up new enterprises and helping existing businesses to develop and grow. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today, so that we can help your business overcome challenges and realise opportunities.

Business Support

Free support to assist every local employer to overcome challenges, maximise opportunities and thrive in West Northamptonshire

Explore West Northants

Residents and visitors to West Northamptonshire, can download the ExploreWN App and discover everything West Northamptonshire has to offer, including independent businesses, attractions and local events.

Doing Business with Us

We are always looking to work with suppliers to support us in delivering our services and help us meet our vision for the future

Planning and Building Control

Quality advice on applications, building control, Local Searches, delivering growth and Policy.

Business Rates

Rates, charges and information on rate relief and exemptions.

Commercial Waste Services

We collect general waste, mixed recycling, glass and food waste from your place of business or event site.

Contact us at economy@westnorthants.gov.uk or on 01327 322230 to find out more. Follow us @WestNorthants and @WestNorthamptonshireCouncil

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LIGHTING COMPANY

ARE DE-LIGHT-ED WITH CHARITY PARTNERSHIP

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 Sywellbased lighting manufacturers Collingwood Lighting which sees service users assemble boxes and pack lights and accessories ready for the company to collect and distribute.

Helen Burdett-Wright, Chief Executive at Teamwork Trust, said: “People with a disability are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as people without and three times as likely to be economically inactive. So, as part of our commitment to supporting our service users to gain education and employment experience, we work with businesses like Collingwood Lighting who are seeking to partner with a charity.”

Businesses that work with Teamwork Trust in this way pay for the service, and all income is then invested back into the charity for the benefit of the service users.

Dan Smith, Head of Warehousing Production at Collingwood Lighting, said: “Outsourcing this job to Teamwork Trust has been a god send for Collingwood. When I first came across Teamwork Trust, I knew I wanted us to work with them.

We have spent the last year looking for the right work to outsource, and when we found this job, I knew it would be an excellent fit. Our stock has been flying off the shelves, and we weren’t able to work on this job in house. We can rely on Teamwork Trust to deliver this capacity to the high quality they consistently do which is important as we are in high demand of the lights currently.

“Because Teamwork Trust is local, we can drop off, collect and visit really easily. The turnaround time is quick – Teamwork Trust ticks all our boxes.”

For this job, Teamwork Trust service users created their own production line. They are encouraged and supported to double-check the quality of the packaging and to make sure there is no damage to the light boxes or item itself.

Here is what Michael and Eric, two of the service users said:

Michael: “I love packing boxes with my friends Eric and James. It keeps me busy every day, and we normally do it in the mornings. I’m best at folding the boxes together for someone to put the 8-hole grid in.”

Eric: “Some of our lights we’re packing are going to be shipped abroad which is cool. My favourite bit is double checking everything is properly put in the boxes to make sure the quality is good for Collingwood. We have made more than 400 boxes of lights so far and it’s nice knowing my work is going into someone’s home.”

Last year, Teamwork Trust won a Northamptonshire Logistics Award trophy in recognition for their work with businesses. The charity is seeking to work with other businesses that prove to be a good fit with their values.

A new campaign called #ShowcasingBrackmills is shining a spotlight on a Northampton estate’s people, businesses and achievements.

Brackmills Industrial Estate, home to more than 18,000 employees and 180 businesses, has had Business Improvement District status for just over 14 years, a status which sees resident businesses pool an annual levy which is then used to fund a host of estate improvements.

In the final year of its third five-year BID term and preparing for a renewal ballot early next year, the estate has now launched a campaign to showcase the benefits of a Business Improvement District.

Howard Wilson, UK operations manager at technology manufacturer StarTech.com, and voluntary chair of Brackmills BID, explains: “There are so many things the BID provides to support estate businesses. A primary one has got to be security, with the BID investing heavily in CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras which help keep the estate secure.”

Startech.com chose Northampton and specifically Brackmills as its European Distribution Centre because of its unrivalled location, excellent connectivity and transport infrastructure, Mr Wilson adds.

The BID’s calendar of events and networking opportunities are another positive for Brackmills businesses. “BID meetings give us the opportunity to mix with other businesses on the estate,” says Simon Chaloner, warehouse manager at distribution and transport company C Butt in Burryport Road.

“Thanks to the BID, we have met and now work with fellow Brackmills businesses. One example sees us rent warehousing space from one of our neighbours, a benefit to us both.”

The estate’s green spaces are another highlight. “Brackmills is far more than just a place to work and is always buzzing with life and people, says Jon Morgan, CEO of vehicle repair and servicing company In ‘n’ Out Autocentres at Caswell Road on Brackmills.

“It is well cared for and well maintained and we particularly value the green spaces and pocket parks which encourage us to get out and have walking meetings with our team –far better than sitting behind a desk.”

Ellie Smith, community manager at sports goods brand’s Decathlon’s distribution centre on Brackmills, adds: “As a sports brand, we really appreciate having the clean and green spaces around our base.

“There are cycle paths and walking and running routes which are good to utilise on our breaks and lunches.

“We also have two pocket parks on the estate, which are great when it comes to promoting physical and mental wellbeing – something we are passionate about at work.”

#SHOWCASINGBRACKMILLS CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS BUSINESS BENEFITS AND MORE AS BID PREPARES FOR 2024 RENEWAL VOTE

COUNCILS JOIN FORCES TO BUILD NEW NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STRATEGIC TRANSPORT MODEL

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 and operation fees could take costs to a total of around £2m over the life of the contract.

Cllr Phil Larratt, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste, said: “This joint effort between our two councils shows our commitment to transport planning across the whole county.

“By pooling our resources and expertise, we can ensure the accuracy and relevance of the Northamptonshire Strategic Transport Model while saving taxpayers money.”

West Northamptonshire Council will lead on procurement of the model rebuild. As part of the process, each council will have its own version of the new model, but it will be managed through a continued relationship with the consultancy building it.

1 2

Cllr Matt Binley, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said:

“As new authorities this is the ideal opportunity to refresh our transport modelling to make sure the data is as accurate as possible, helping us plan our highways network for the future. It makes complete sense to do this in partnership in terms of efficiency but also because so many journeys are made across the county as a whole.”

3

The new model will have a 2023 base year, informed by verified traffic count data, and the process is expected to be complete by autumn 2024, with a contract anticipated to run until 2031.

WHAT IS THE GOOD BUSINESS CHARTER?

The Good Business Charter is a simple yet effective way to recognise responsible businesses, developed in partnership with the CBI, TUC and FSB. In spite of the plethora of different accreditations available in each sector, to the outside world, confusion still reigns about who is doing business in a responsible way. The Good Business Charter seeks to bring clarity on this, measuring behaviour over 10 components as follows:

“This year we really want to see another town, city or county join York in being a GBC place –where together GBC accredited organisations champion it to others in the area. York has nearly 100 members – wouldn’t it be amazing to see Northants smash that barrier and show them how it’s done!”

- Jenny Herrera, CEO

Benefits for Members

1) The UK’s many responsible, caring businesses deserve this third-party recognition

2) Members will be a beacon of light encouraging others to do the same which is good for society

3) The biggest benefit is that new customers will be signposted to your door away from your competitors when they see you sporting the GBC logo.

Open to private sector, public sector and charities of all sizes, it is attracting organisations from sole traders right up to FTSE100 companies. FREE for the first year and nominal costs thereafter. Launched in February 2020 and currently with over 1,300 accredited organisations including Aviva, Brompton Bicycles, Deloitte, Richer Sounds and University of Northampton.

York became the first GBC city in June 2021 with anchor organisations City of York Council, University of York, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Aviva championing it to organisations of all sizes in the city.

How to Join

For more information see our website: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

You sign up through an online self-certification process here: https://accreditation.goodbusinesscharter. com/login

The King’s

Awards

for Enterprise

are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Am I eligible?

To apply for the King’s Award for Enterprise your organisation must:

• be based in the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)

• have a good compliance record with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)for example, showing you pay the right amount of tax on time

• be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services and is under its own management

• have at least 2 full-time UK employees or part-time equivalents

•demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility

Your organisation can be a business or non-profit. Each of the award categories has additional entry criteria.

International Trade

To apply for the International Trade award, you must also:

• have made a minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales in the first year of your entry and show year-on-year growth

• prove that your organisation has achieved outstanding growth in overseas earnings relative to your business size and sector

• prove steep year-on-year growth (without dips) in overseas sales over 3 years - or substantial year-on-year growth (without dips) over 6 years

KINGS AWARDS

Innovation

To apply for the Innovation award, you must also:

• have an innovation that has not been sold before

• have had your innovation available on the market for at least 2 years

• have recovered all the investments made in your innovation or show that the innovation will recover its full costs in future

• show outstanding commercial success as a result of innovation over 2 years - or continuous commercial success over 5 years

Your innovation should be in one of the following categories:

• invention, design or production of goods

• performance of services

• marketing and distribution

• after-sale support of goods or services

Sustainable Development

To apply for the Sustainable Development award, you must also:

• show how you have achieved outstanding sustainable development for more than 2 years

• provide evidence of the benefits or positive outcomes of your actions or interventions

Promoting Opportunity through social mobility

To apply for this award, your organisation must have a programme that supports people from disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their job skills and their chances of finding work.

This includes doing one or more of the following, for at least 2 years:

• providing work experience or careers advice

• mentoring

• offering interview and job-related training

• making sure your recruitment process is open to everyone

You’ll need to prove the benefits for:

• the people you’ve supported

• your organisation

• your employees

• the wider community

You cannot apply if social mobility is the main focus of your organisation.

APPLY HERE

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter. You can apply for more than one award. You can now apply for the 2024 Awards until midday on 12 September 2023.

You’ll need to:

• create an account and register your details

• answer questions about your eligibility - this should take less than 15 minutes

• submit your application by midday on 12 September 2023

THE POWER OF CRM: UNLOCKING GROWTH AND SUCCESS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

In today’s competitive business landscape, small businesses more than ever need every advantage they can get to thrive and succeed. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has emerged as a powerful tool that can help small businesses streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. In this article, we discuss the benefits of CRM for small businesses and how it can revolutionise their operations.

Improved Customer Relationship Management

One of the primary benefits of CRM for small businesses is the ability to centralise customer data. CRM software allows businesses to store and manage customer information in one place, including contact details, purchase history, preferences, and interactions. This centralised database provides a holistic view of each customer, enabling businesses to deliver personalised experiences, anticipate customer needs, and build strong, long-lasting relationships.

Enhanced Sales and Marketing Efforts

CRM software empowers small businesses to streamline their sales and marketing efforts. By tracking customer interactions and behaviour, businesses can identify sales opportunities, analyse trends, and create targeted marketing campaigns. CRM tools also enable businesses to automate repetitive tasks, such as lead generation, email marketing, and follow-ups, freeing up valuable time for sales teams to focus on building relationships and closing deals.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Manual processes and fragmented systems can hinder small businesses’ efficiency and productivity. CRM software eliminates these challenges by automating tasks, integrating systems, and providing real-time data. This automation not only saves time but also reduces human errors and ensures consistency in customer interactions. With a CRM system, small businesses can streamline their operations, improve team collaboration, and make data-driven decisions for better efficiency and productivity.

Better Customer Service

Small businesses often rely on exceptional customer service to differentiate themselves from larger competitors. CRM software enables businesses to deliver superior customer service by providing a comprehensive view of each customer’s history, preferences, and support tickets. This knowledge equips customer service representatives with the necessary information to resolve issues promptly and effectively, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Data-driven Insights and Analytics

CRM software offers small businesses valuable insights into their customer base, sales pipeline, and overall performance. By analysing data such as customer demographics, purchase patterns, and sales trends, businesses can make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and optimize their strategies. CRM analytics help small businesses understand their customers better, enabling them to tailor their offerings, improve targeting, and drive revenue growth.

Scalability and Future Growth

As small businesses grow, managing customer relationships becomes increasingly complex. CRM software provides a scalable solution that can accommodate growing customer bases, expanding sales teams, and evolving business needs. By centralising customer data and automating processes, CRM helps small businesses scale efficiently while maintaining personalised customer experiences.

Summary

Data-driven Insights and Analytics

In today’s customer-centric business landscape, small businesses cannot afford to overlook the benefits of CRM software. By streamlining customer relationship management, enhancing sales and marketing efforts, improving efficiency, and providing data-driven insights, CRM empowers small businesses to compete on a level playing field with larger competitors. Investing in CRM software can unlock growth, drive success, and pave the way for a prosperous future for small businesses.

Contact Lucro CRM today to arrange a FREE Consultation and Demo to see how our Small Business CRM System can benefit you.

Visit their website here: https://lucrocrm.com/

STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED WITH NEW COUNCIL MAGAZINE

A new magazine providing important news and information about council services has been landing on the doormats of homes across West Northamptonshire recently

Produced by West Northamptonshire Council, the first edition of West Northants Life also offered 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 are taking place across West Northamptonshire.

The new magazine also incorporates the Northamptonshire Adult Learning brochure, and will be distributed to homes across West Northamptonshire over the course of the next two weeks via Royal Mail. Copies will also be made available at libraries across West Northamptonshire.

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, the Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Many of us live in a digital world these days, but we know a number of residents still value or rely on the printed word. This new magazine offers a way for everyone to find out more about the many things our council is doing across West Northamptonshire and the services and support that is available.

“The magazine is also contributing to our efforts to be more sustainable, incorporating the existing Adult Learning brochure which would otherwise be distributed separately into a single publication. It provides an opportunity for us to share important information to all residents about a range of services, without the need to produce additional printed materials. It is also printed on recycled paper, and delivered by Royal Mail alongside their existing postal deliveries, minimising the need for additional distribution methods.

“I would like to thank residents for their support and interest in what the council is doing and I hope people find West Northants Life engaging and informative.”

Designed and produced in-house by the council’s communications team to keep costs down, West Northants Life will be published twice a year, with the second edition due out in the winter.

Copies of the magazine will also be made available for download at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/magazine

Residents who would like to stay more regularly updated on the council’s activities are encouraged to subscribe to the fortnightly e-newsletter at www. westnorthants.gov.uk/newsletter

THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE HERITAGE FORUM AWARDS 2023

Half a millennium old, the carefully restored Threshing Barn at Chester House was the perfect venue for the annual Awards presented by the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum. The sparkling fairy lights illuminated both the ancient roof timbers and the guests, who included members of the Forum, and Charles, Lord Spencer, the Patron. Other guests included Charlotte Brudenell deputising for the Lord Lieutenant, and the Leaders and Chairs of West and North Northamptonshire Councils. Rachel Mallows MBE DL represented the Northamptonshire Surprise website, and the whole event was expertly compered by John Griff DL.

Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism welcomed everyone to the Chester House Estate, and Charlotte Brudenell DL spoke of the importance of protecting, preserving and promoting our unique Northamptonshire Heritage.

After the winners were announced, (listed below) Lord Spencer expressed his pride in those who work to support Northamptonshire’s heritage. He recognised the passion and the commitment shown by communities of like-minded people working together in a county ‘heaving with history’. He described the event as an uplifting celebration of heritage made accessible, rich with stories of past communities.

He especially complimented the work of the volunteers who make so much more possible. He ended by offering his congratulations to Wicksteed Park who won ‘Heritage Organisation of the Year 2023’ for their positivity and commitment to the community during difficult conditions in recent years. He ended with the comment, ‘What a County… and what a Forum!’

Many of the winners are taking part in Heritage Open Days during September, so do look out for them.

Heritage Organisation of the Year 2023 Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed Park is the legacy of Charles Wicksteed, a wealthy industrialist with a social conscience who after making munitions and military equipment during the First World War turned his attention to creating quality robust children’s play equipment, recognising the value of play and recreation for the well-being of the local community. In 1914 he had purchased land on the edge of Kettering to create the garden suburb of Barton Seagrave, but his primary focus was on developing the park at its centre. In 1921 Wicksteed Park opened to the public as a freely accessible public space designed to improve the lives of the people of Kettering and the local area.

The Wicksteed Trust and the Wicksteed family of today continue this tradition and despite recent challenging conditions have worked hard to continue to fulfil the original philanthropic vision of Charles Wicksteed. The centenary was marked with celebration, the volunteer team is growing, and the Park is continuing to offer the community somewhere to get outside and enjoy quality leisure time together in a wide variety of ways. This award recognises the energy and effectiveness of the current team to maintain both the ideals of the founder, Charles Wicksteed, and the close links to the wellbeing of the people in the Kettering area.

Judges Choice Special Award Winner Northants Open Studios

Northants Open Studios is a visual arts community group, giving members of the public access to art throughout the county, both at exhibitions in wonderful historic places such as Lamport Hall, and in artists’ own studios. NOS are inclusive, believing that art should be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone. The annual month-long festival not only gives artists the opportunity to engage directly with art lovers, collectors and enthusiasts of their work, but also allows them to demonstrate their practice, discuss new work and sell or accept commissions. There is no selection process allowing artists of varying abilities, ages and disciplines to be part of the community.

All images from: www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk

Wicksteed Park

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery Transport Day 2022’

Northants Open Studios

Best Event: Winner

Northampton Museums and Art Gallery

‘Transport Day 2022’

Utilising their ideal location of Abington Museum within Abington Park for an outside event and building on their experience of a previous delivery of the event, the 2022 Transport Day was the biggest event so far. They exhibited around 35 individual exhibitors of vehicles from local organisations and private collectors, creating a real family day out. The day proved to be one of the most popular events ever held at Abington Park and Museum.

Best Event: Highly Commended Desborough Heritage Centre

‘The public unveiling of a Memorial to the crew killed in Wellington Bomber HF670 in Desborough 5th September 1944’.

In October 2022, 78 years on, attended by descendants of the three airmen who were killed in a WWII Wellington Bomber crash in a Desborough field, Desborough Civic Society and Heritage Centre provided a Memorial event and service, having provided a new Stone on the site. A special exhibition with refreshments (coffee and lunch) was provided in the Heritage Centre.

Best Exhibition: Winner Canons Ashby - National Trust

‘A Christmas Quest’

This Christmas display was inspired by John Dryden’s semi-opera King Arthur. Visitors followed the story of brave King Arthur and his quest to rescue his beloved Emmeline, encountering magic, battles, enchanted woods, spells, the enchanter Merlin and of course dragons. A real team effort, with the environment in mind, many of our decorations were handmade by the volunteers.

Best Exhibition: Highly Commended Daventry Museum

Borough Hill and its History

Inspired by the centenary of the publication of William Edgar’s book ‘Borough Hill Daventry and its History’, this exciting exhibition brings the historic ages of Borough Hill alive and reflects on the findings and excavations in Edgar’s book through fascinating displays.

Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener ‘Medieval Plants and their Uses’

Delapré Abbey ‘The Cluniac Nunnery of St Mary de la Pré exhibition’

The Friends of St Mary’s, Higham Ferrers ’Gateway to the 600-year history of the Bede House’ All images from:

Best Project by a Group or Society: Winner

The Friends of St. Mary’s, Higham Ferrers Gateway to the 600-year history of the Bede House

The Friends of St Mary’s (FoSM) is a volunteer organisation, dedicated to supporting the preservation, restoration, improvement and ornamentation of the three medieval buildings. The gate project was organised from concept to completion by the volunteers, and involved fund raising, and liaison with the church authorities, the carpenter and stone masons.

Best Special Long-Term Project: Winner Northamptonshire Battlefields Society

Battle of Northampton 1460 Interpretation Panels

The aim of the project was to install heritage industry leading interpretation panels to explain the Wars of the Roses battle fought at Delapré Abbey in 1460. This was a founding aim of Society and was left incomplete on the death of our chair, Mike Ingram, in 2021.

Best Volunteer Project: Winner Delapré

Abbey

‘The Cluniac Nunnery of St Mary de la Pré exhibition’

In February 2021, a new exhibition celebrating Delapré Abbey’s medieval past opened. Little was known about the history of the women who lived at the Abbey during medieval times until now, thanks to the research of a small group of female volunteers undertaken during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020/21. In September 2022

Delapré Abbey hosted the 8th UK Cluniac Conference with the volunteers drafting the programme and sharing the stories of Delapré

Winner Community Wellbeing Award: Winner Wicksteed Park

‘Crafternoon’

Crafternoon is a project that was formed in the wider Heritage Lottery Funded @Play project. It is a programme of ‘have-a-go’ style weekly craft sessions aimed at adults to build confidence in skills and help tackle social isolation in retirement age as well as 18-24 in a calming, supportive environment.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Book: Winner Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener

MEDIEVAL PLANTS AND THEIR USES

The book is the result of many years of research for the Prebendal Manor Medieval Gardens at Nassington, Northamptonshire. The book shows the importance of plants to daily medieval life, and since publication, it has been used as a guide to the medieval plants that could be grown at other Northamptonshire sites, such as Stanwick Lakes Settlers Garden and the medieval Gardens at Delapré Abbey.

Hindsight Award for best published Book: Highly Commended

Ann Redshaw

‘Rockingham: The Village under the Castle - A social history of a closed Northamptonshire village’

This first history of the village focuses on the social lives of the residents. Topics covered include population, wealth, health, employment, housing development, utilities, education and leisure opportunities. National trends are outlined then illustrated by original case studies drawn from the estate archives.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Other Materials: Winner Higham Ferrers Tourism

Film: ‘Chichele College Celebrates 600 Years’

As part of the special anniversary celebrations and, in the interests of sharing Chichele College with a wider and more diverse audience, this film was created. It shows the everyday life of the College and features all those who use and care for this scheduled monument on a regular basis. It is available to all on YouTube.

About the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum

Our purpose is to celebrate Northamptonshire’s past by supporting and promoting Museums, Galleries, Historic Houses, Heritage Sites and History Societies across Northamptonshire. We are run by a committee of volunteers and meet several times a year to provide advice, access to grants and training, joint marketing and promotion, and the opportunity to network with like-minded people. For more information about us, our work and our members, please visit www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk

Creating an

automated chatbot

funnel will enable your

business to

Marketing to:

leverage Social Media Message

Increase

Increase

Increase

Increase

Lead Generation

Sales

Web Search

Traffic

Brand Awareness

While also reducing customer support calls!

We support

the

following platforms, Facebook Messenger, Instagram

Direct Messages,

GMB

and WhatsApp:

We

have chatbot templates that cover

all of the major

business sectors

and requirements

of small businesses.

We can

tailor these to your

specific needs and integrate

them with your

third-party products like CRM or

booking systems to provide conversations

resulting in a seamless experience

for your

current

and future customers.

We

also

offer workshops to

develop your messaging strategy to

best utilise the different ways a

customer can

start a conversation

with your

business

/ bot.

OF BUSINESS MESSAGING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

IS MESSAGE MARKETING

HAI ROBOTICS CEMENTS UK EXPANSION WITH FIRST OFFICE IN NORTHAMPTON

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 the sales, solutions, implementation, testing, after-sales support, PR and marketing functions of Hai Robotics UK Ltd. The team will be fully supported by the company’s European HQ in the Netherlands.

“Launching our inaugural UK office signifies a critical milestone for Hai Robotics and underscores our enduring commitment to this vibrant market,” declared Damien Skinner, Country Manager of the UK & Ireland. “Our decision to establish ourselves at Vulcan Works was driven by a multitude of factors. Northampton’s strategic location in the heart of the UK’s ‘Logistics Golden Triangle’—Bedford-Birmingham-Nottingham— ensures our close proximity to customers and site references. Additionally, the comprehensive facilities at Vulcan Works, which feature beautifully restored spaces, well-equipped meeting rooms with flexible booking options, provide an environment conducive for growth and innovation. Above all, the flexibility and security offered by Vulcan Works are paramount in fuelling our progressive journey.”

Recently, Hai Robotics proudly unveiled a groundbreaking project in the UK, joining forces with Logistex to optimise John Lewis Partnership’s new e-commerce distribution centre in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes. The project is centred around the deployment of a picking solution powered by Hai Robotics’ innovative ACR robots and HaiPort workstations, which also provide flexibility and scalability for future expansion.

Hai Robotics initiatives have seen the successful implementation of 160 ACR robots. In addition, the company has solidified its presence in the market by securing two more substantial contracts, further contributing to its growth trajectory.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hai Robotics to Vulcan Works,” added Centre Manager of Vulcan Works, Garrick Hurter. “To have a global company who is at the forefront of such impressive digital technology and forward-thinking automation choose our space as a location for its first UK office is a real coup.

“This is a prime example of the type of business we want to attract to the centre – a company who is looking to grow and expand with a digital or creative focus. We know that Hai Robotics will really flourish here, not just thanks to our wonderful facilities that are conducive to productive, collaborative working, but also through our additional business support events and workshops and prime location.”

ACR systems provided by Hai Robotics deliver highly efficient Goods-to-Person solutions that blend perfectly within the warehouse environment. Notably, these systems can increase storage density by an astonishing 80 to 400 per cent and enhance worker efficiency by three to four times, outperforming traditional warehouse automation solutions. Moreover, ACR robots can reach impressive heights of up to 10 metres, making them a game-changer in warehouse operations.

Certified by UKCA and CE, Hai Robotics’ revolutionary ACR systems are all set to bring about a seismic shift in the UK’s warehouses and logistics centres, promising extraordinary benefits that set the company apart from the rest, reshaping the future of logistics in the UK.

To find out more about Vulcan Works or request a show around, email info@vulcanworks.co.uk. To read more about Hai Robotics, visit www.hairobotics.com

CELEBRATING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE EXTENSION AT 78 DERNGATE

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 funding from WNC and generous donations from a multitude of individuals and organisations the expansion to this cultural facility reached completion in May this year, following more than 12 months of regeneration work.

The site now boasts an extension to the main buildings and enhanced gardens, allowing larger groups to visit and enjoy the museum, as well as benefit from an enriched visitor experience at one of Northampton’s most popular attractions.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “I am delighted that representatives from key organisations including the Arts Council were able to join WNC and 78 Derngate Trust to celebrate the official opening of the redevelopment of this local gem. The expansion provides enhanced facilities for visitors, which I hope people will enjoy for years to come.”

Liz Jansson, House Manager at 78 Derngate, added: “It was a great pleasure to welcome Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England, to officially open this wonderful extension. We are thrilled with it and are settling in well to our enhanced surroundings! Visitors past, present and yet to come will thoroughly enjoy the added spaces inside and out, which already feel harmonious with the original heritage buildings.”

Martin Mason, Chair of Northampton Forward, said: “This is an important step in the ongoing regeneration of Northampton. This extension is building on one of the town’s most popular assets, the already popular Charles Rennie Mackintosh museum will benefit from an enhanced environment for visitors.”

Continue reading the article here

Visit their regeneration page here

AWARD WINNING RUSHDEN COFFEE SHOP RAISES CASH FOR SERVE

STAFF, customers and businesses rallied round and helped raise more than £850 for Rushdenbased charity Serve.

Happy Mondays Coffee in High Street, Rushden, held a second anniversary party on Saturday, August 5, with fantastic prizes up for grabs and plenty of soft drinks and treats, as well as a cocktail bar for the day.

The coffee shop, which recently won The Best Café in The Northants Live Awards, helped raise £871.43 for Serve.

The charity’s fundraising manager Nick Tite said: “Wow! What an amazing effort. We cannot thank the staff, customers and all the businesses which contributed prizes, enough.

“As a local charity, we love working with businesses and in the community. It’s heartening to witness first-hand this support. Thankyou from all of us here at Serve.”

Owner Luke Wood said: “To celebrate the shops second birthday we wanted to give back to the community that has supported us.

“So we thought what better way than to raise as much money as we could for the wonderful local charity Serve.

“We would like to thank all the local businesses that donated prizes to our raffle. Rushden has so many fantastic independent businesses and this effort to fundraising showed that.”

Nick said the money would help to sponsor the charity’s popular Sing for Serve community event at the end of the year and would also boost the popular Servescape project, a community gardening project helps older people look after their gardens.

If anyone would like to help support Serve, that can contact Nick at nicholas.tite@serve.org.uk

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget. Pretium lectus quam id leo in. Mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus. Commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis volutpat. Aenean sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing tristique. Egestas sed tempus urna et

LOCAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RECRUITING TRUSTEES TO OVERSEE WORK SUPPORTING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is recruiting up to three trustees to join their Board from November 2023.

The Board of Trustees acts collectively to govern the foundation, which is the leading grantmaking charity in the county, promoting and managing philanthropy to create long-term and sustainable funding for the voluntary and community sector.

Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: ‘We warmly welcome interest from a broad range of people that are passionate about Northamptonshire’s communities and especially candidates with expertise or experience in the areas of investment, equity, diversity and inclusion, use of digital technologies and environmental philanthropy.’

Interest is welcomed from people who have a love for, and a strong connection to, Northamptonshire, and who share a passion for making a difference through charitable giving and philanthropy. To find out more, including information about how to apply, visit the Vacancies page on Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s website: www.ncf.uk.com/vacancies

What Your Business Plan Should Include

By Angela Turton, ActionCOACH Growth Specialist

Let's start with a question! Why are you writing a Business Plan? Don’t get me wrong, I think every business needs one, but why are you writing yours? And why now? You see, what you put into a business plan will depend very much on the reason you are writing the plan.

Consider the advice in this short article as it will ensure the right things for your business are included in your plan, so here it goes

My ideal version of a Business Plan is structured to provide a clear picture of the business and its potential I strongly believe Vision, Mission & Culture should take centre stage and is a great place to start

Vision and Purpose

You need to state what your company is going to do and show what the future of your business looks like

List the values of your company and include the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) that your company is striving towards

Mission

Explain how you plan to get to your BHAG and add what are you choosing to do in the world to bring it about?

Culture

Think about the following and include them in your plan:

What does the internal business look like?

Who are your team and your stakeholders?

How will your team and stakeholders communicate, work together, and cooperate?

What are the internal rules which govern the business?

Don’t be afraid to include your strengths and weaknesses

Including a SWOT analysis will show that you are aware of what you ’ re good at, not so good at but can develop, and that you are mindful of external threats to your business

Consider the internal strengths of your business and the team within it Most people struggle to list their own strengths, so start with what your team is good at

Think about the internal weaknesses of your business

Be candid and talk about mitigating any perceived problem areas

Now investigate the external opportunities that exist in your marketplace and how you will capitalise on them

What are the external threats to your business? What could de-rail you that you would have little or no control over? Government regulation is a good one to start with, but think outside of the box Think about what the worst is that could happen, and explain how you would aim to mitigate or avoid the problems that would cause Think E-cigarettes and their effect on the tobacco industry

Have a Sales & Marketing Plan

This section needs to focus on how you will execute your marketing to attract customers as well as create sales to bring in the all important revenue

Some areas commonly missed are test and measure metrics, client lifetime value, sales process, budget along with acquisition investment and strategies

TIKTOK SENSATION SHARES HER GLOBAL SUCCESS WITH NORTHAMPTON COMPANY

Northampton born TikTok sensation and Instagram influencer Cami Sophia is helping a local company celebrate its tenth birthday by preparing to share her successes and expertise with a UK audience.

The 21-year-old University of Northampton graduate, who works with a host of UK brands and has more than 603,000 TikTok followers and over 17million likes, is set to be a keynote speaker for Delapré Abbey-based Pilkington Communications, a marketing and PR company which has ‘hatched’ a new series of 30-minute online ‘Turtle Talks’ to help fellow UK organisations grow and thrive.

Cami, who in less than 12 months turned her TikTok hobby into a full-time career and describes herself as ‘a girl obsessed with wellness, manifestation, self-care & pilates’, said: “My social media journey started as a hobby, which I initially slotted into my studies. I started creating TikTok videos and I still remember the day one of my videos ‘blew up’ and went viral. I got 8million views in just three days and was quickly approached by a manager, who is still my manager to this day.

“I never imagined this could be my career, and it has become so much more than I hoped. I have learned so much and am looking forward to sharing my story and advice in this Turtle Talk.”

Jessica Pilkington, Director at Pilkington Communications, the company behind Turtle Academy, said: “We are celebrating our tenth birthday by holding a series of free training events to help charities, non-profits and small businesses grow and are over the moon to be sharing the talents and expertise of Cami.

“So many of our clients want to know more about how TikTok could work for their organisation, and this is their chance. We will hear from this UK expert, a leading content creator and a committed and proud business woman who has turned her hobby into a thriving career.

“Our success, your success’ is our birthday slogan, so these free sessions are all about sharing our expertise and successes with fellow UK organisations, a perfect birthday present!”

Cami, whose online Turtle Talk will take place on Monday, September 11th, has three Instagram accounts, one focused on her podcasts, another dedicated to women positivity and her main account that has recently been verified by the Instagram people themselves .

These Turtle Talks are delivered by Turtle Academy, the training arm of Pilkington Communications. Turtle Academy was launched post-covid to help non-profits and SMEs with their digital marketing and PR.

Since launching Turtle Academy, Pilkington Communications has scooped several awards including Best Enterprising Business at the Northamptonshire SME Business Awards in June 2023 and West Northamptonshire Business of the Year at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in 2022.

If you’d like to learn more about Turtle Academy, or book on to Cami’s session, head to https://turtleacademy.co.uk/#turtletalks

FINALISTS UNVEILED – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESSES, CHARITIES AND ENTREPRENEURS CELEBRATE

Inspiring individuals, environmental projects, charities, start-ups, tourist attractions and established businesses in Northamptonshire – just a few of the finalists unveiled on the 1st August by the NNBN Awards committee.

Over the last few months more than 170 submissions were made to the county’s newest awards schemes, the NNBN Awards. Today the wait is over, with a broad range of finalists announced across the 12 categories and the awards ceremony set to take place at Kettering Park Hotel & Spa in October 2023.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said “We have been staggered and delighted by the sheer number of entries, a testament to the broad range of talent, expertise and innovation we have here in Northamptonshire. Our independent group of handpicked judges had a challenging task. It was particularly difficult with categories such as Business and Charity of the Year where we had so many high-quality submissions.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter and congratulations to all our finalists. We look forward to seeing you on the night.”

NNBN Co-Director Marie Baker said “We would like to thank the judges, Robyn Allen, President of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Daniel Lister from West Northamptonshire Council and Cllr David Brackenbury from North Northamptonshire Council who had an extremely difficult job working through the entries. We are grateful for the time and the effort they took on judging the Awards.”

The NNBN awards are supported by event sponsor Wilson Browne Solicitors and supported by headline sponsors North Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Poppy Design Studio and Pilkington Communications.

Finalists

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Kettering

• Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts

• Bulwick Village Shop

• O’Sullivan Financial Planning

• Square Feet Co Working

• Wills Consultants

Business of the Year – sponsored by Action Coach Oakham & Kettering

• Ball Beverage Packaging

• Commsave Credit Union

• Elsby & Co

• HR Solutions

• Mannol UK

Start Up Business of the Year – sponsored by Hawsons Accountants

• 3RS IT Solutions Ltd

• Four Talent

• Milestone Projects

• No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC

• OT33 Occupational Therapy Services

Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Square Feet Co Working

• Jason Bridger of Ball Beverage Packaging

• Jevgenij Lyzko of Mannol UK

• Keith Wright of K Wright Consultancy Limited

• Martin Steers of NLive Radio

• Milly Fyfe of No Fuss Meals For Busy Parents CIC

Finalists

Northamptonshire Tourism Award – sponsored by Discover Northamptonshire

• Holiday Inn Express Kettering

• Lyveden Trust

• Northampton Town Centre Hotel

• Trapp’d

Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Tresham College

• Amber Thorpe of Silverstone Leasing

• John Perry of Accommodation Concern

• Kate Coulson from Ena HR & Training

• Marie Nickerson from Holiday Inn Express Kettering

• Paul Meadows from Sends 4 Dad

The Green Award – sponsored by North Northamptonshire Council

• Ball Beverage Packaging

• Food for Thought

• Ganders Goat

• Groundwork Northamptonshire

• Repair Not Replace

Micro Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Nick Freeman Photography

• Daisy Doo’s

• Dot & Stripe

• Lime Design Studio

• Northamptonshire Careers

• Unified Fighting Systems

Finalists

Charity of the Year – sponsored by Commsave Credit Union

• Baby Basics Northampton

• Northampton Saints Foundation

• Northamptonshire Health Charity

• St Andrews Healthcare

• Teamwork Trust

Food & Drink Business of the Year – sponsored by Groundwork Northamptonshire

• Mewar Haveli

• Mill House Tea Rooms

• Moo Steak

• The Northampton Cheese Company

• Wine Chateau

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year – sponsored by Northants Life

• Beauty Bar Desborough

• Brow Wow Beauty

• QL.

• The Barber Shed Daventry

• The Bird Cage Hair Salon

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year – sponsored by Brackmills Industrial Estate

• Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts

• Blossom Children’s Occupational Therapy Ltd

• Go Beyond Challenge

• Kaur Aura

• Unified Fighting Systems

INTRODUCING THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Whether you want to grow your business, develop your management skills, enhance your workforce or connect to inspirational business events the University of Leicester School of Business can support you.

Help to Grow: Management – starting 21 September

If you’re a senior manager in a business with 5-249 employees looking to develop your business and enhance your leadership skills then our fully-funded Help to Grow: Management course can help. You will study 12 modules over 12 weeks with a time commitment of 4-5 hours a week and develop a growth action plan to lead your business to its full potential.

Distance Learning

We have over 30 years’ experience of delivering high quality, online distance learning programmes enabling employees to develop their expertise alongside full-time work. Our business courses include an MSc Human Resource Management and Training, an MSc Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management and our multi-accredited Leicester MBA with specialisms available in Business Analytics, Marketing, Finance and Human Resources.

Bespoke Workshops and Short Courses

We will work with you to plan and develop course content and delivery that is specifically tailored to the requirements and training needs of your organisation. We can develop courses across a wide range of key topics including operations management, logistics and supply chain management, marketing, sustainability, risk management, human resource management, finance and accounting.

Internships and Placements

We can support your recruitment needs by connecting you with students through our internship and placement programmes with options available over 40 hours, 6-8 weeks or 9-12 months. Our students are highly committed, enthusiastic and keen to develop themselves. Fully-funded summer internships are also available in some locations. Furthermore, you can advertise roles directly to our students and graduates.

Innovation Support

If you are looking to develop your products, services or processes then we can work with you to identify appropriate funding, resources and expertise to make this a reality. Support can include innovation projects, knowledge transfer partnerships and contract research.

Business and Community Events

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget. Pretium lectus quam id leo in. Mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus. Commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis

The University of Leicester School of Business campus, Brookfield, provides an ideal space enabling businesses and the community to connect with academic and business expertise. We offer public lectures and regular regional business engagement events often in collaboration with key partners such as Space Park Leicester, University research clusters and business support organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Innovate UK and the Federation of Small Businesses.

DPD ROBOT DELIVERIES HEADING TO RAUNDS

Leading parcel delivery company DPD has confirmed plans to expand autonomous robot deliveries to 10 UK towns and cities in the next 12 months, starting with Raunds in Northamptonshire, following a successful trial in Milton Keynes.

Based at DPD’s depot at Warth Park on the western edge of Raunds, the robots will deliver to nearby residential areas within a mile of the depot, via the existing network of footpaths. In Raunds, the robots will have three separate parcel compartments, instead of just one in the original trial, and an extended battery life of up to 12 hours.

DPD parcel recipients in Raunds will be notified of a robot delivery in advance, and once they confirm that they are at home to accept the parcel, the robot will be dispatched.

Customers will then be able to track the robot’s progress on a map and are notified when it reaches their property. They then use a code to open the secure compartment and access their parcel. Once the compartment is closed, the robot will either continue to its next delivery or return to the depot.

DPD has worked closely with North Northamptonshire Council on the introduction of the robots in Raunds.

Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said: “We are delighted that DPD is introducing delivery robots in Raunds. The council is committed to the environment and supporting clean and green alternatives to traditional forms of transport to reduce emissions. It is great to be able to help bring this innovation to North Northamptonshire.”

DPD first introduced the Cartken robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022 and they have since travelled almost 500 miles and successfully performed over 2,500 trips delivering parcels to DPD customers.

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPDgroup UK commented, “The trial in Milton Keynes has been a huge success for us. The robots have exceeded our expectations, and the feedback has been fantastic. We can see people’s reactions when they meet them, and it is overwhelmingly positive. We set out to understand the role that delivery robots could play in certain locations in the UK and the trial has helped us identify more sites where we could deploy the robots successfully.

THE KEY TO YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS

A 3-Minute Online Test to Identify Your Growth Focus Areas

MEET THE MEMBER: IAN GRIFFITHS

What is the name of your business?: Beat Route Radio

Time in your position: Founder 5½ years

What was your first job when you left school?

Three year apprenticeship as ladies hairdresser and gents barber.

What jobs have you had before you do what you do today?

I worked in sales as rep in the hair and beauty sector for many years, culminating in a senior position for an OEM organisation producing everything from combs, brushes, scissors to electrics including hair and beauty cosmetics, salon refits across the UK and wider Europe.

In 1992 I made a break from the H&B sector and worked for a manufacturer of Film processors, mainly customised units for specific uses from 8mm to 420mm photographic film and also up to A0 sheet film in the pre-press industry, I left the business in 2000 as digital imaging decimated the industry in the course of 12 months.

Whilst on holiday in California I watched two guys using strange cameras with big thick wires being plugged in to PCs they were doing children’s fantasy photos using green screen putting kids on tacky fairy and rocket ship backgrounds but they were selling prints on site like hot cakes, Event-Photos.co.uk was born.

Within 12 months we were market leaders in the newly emerging UK event photography industry with 14 self employed sub contractor teams covering events nationwide. In 2019 this had grown to 55 event teams nationwide.

Covid took a horrendous toll on the event photography industry, we personally had over 480 events cancelled in just over a week, very dark times lay ahead including a suicide by one of our team leaders.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget. Pretium lectus quam id leo in. Mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus. Commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis volutpat. Aenean sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing tristique. Egestas sed tempus urna et

Things are slowly recovering but at 61, do I want to try and build it back to what it was? I don’t know if I have that left in me.

What’s your biggest achievement so far?

My wife and I started Beat Route Radio in 2017 launching on 1st March 2018, yes the day the “Beast from the East” hit us but it didn’t stop us,

Beat Route has grown in its five years to boasting 40 volunteer presenters producing over 110 hours of live, local programs every week.

It is so rewarding (except financially!) being so involved with the Northamptonshire community providing a platform for local charities, independent businesses and other good causes a platform to raise awareness of their projects and connect service providers with service users, this we do freely.

Last year we attended 47 outside broadcasts with anything from a few hundred visitors to over 12,000 we estimate we performed in front of in the region of 300,000 people.

Our listener figures are growing constantly to an average of IRO 60k per month, no small feat for a county based community radio station based out of a shed in our back garden!

Tell us some interesting information about you.

I see comedy in everything, it doesn’t mean I’m flippant, just a little twisted I guess!

If you won £1 million tonight, what would you spend it on first?

A huge weekend break and party for our amazing Volunteers and their partners, (we don’t like the idea of creating “Radio widows) maybe in a local stately home.

Then a family holiday without a doubt.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do

Meeting people, I’m a communicator I love promoting my businesses so photography and radio are a great fit for me.

If you could have dinner with three famous people, who would they be and why ?

Isaac Newton, to talk nerdy things that get my brain whizzing. David Bowie so I could watch Sharon (my wife) drool all over him. Barack & Michelle Obama I just think they were possibly the best world leaders there has ever been.

What do you love the most about being a member of the NNBN community? The community aspect of meeting like minded people swapping ideas.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Make it a fairer and more tolerant society for all not just the elite.

One Local Business Thinks It Has Found The Answer

The UK loves its mobile phones, the average person uses their mobile phone for 4 hours and 14 mins per day (Statista 2022). To make a mobile phone takes approx 13 000 litres of water (Friends Of The Earth, Mind Your Steps) and between 80-90kg of Co2 (8billiontrees.com) and once it has been made there is an impact every time you switch it on and use it and save documents, messages and emails, streaming.

Whilst mobile phones and the UK’s love of them is not going away, we do need to lessen their impact, and whilst individuals and local businesses cannot reduce the resources used to make devices, other than keeping them longer, repairing them and buying refurbished devices they can offset the damage done from their usage. Using your mobile phone is generating Co2 and greenhouse gases. This is helping to fuel climate change.

One local business in Wellingborough is helping individuals lead the fight to have a guilt free way of using a mobile phone. Repair Not Replace that was set up to stop mobile phones, computer and tablets go to landfill, by offering a convenient and hassle-free, door step repair service, that is carbon neutral is now launching a way for individuals and businesses to offset the carbon footprint of their mobile phone, for 12 months of guilt free usage in a simple one off payment each year.

Repair Not Replace has worked out the amount of carbon being produced by an average mobile phone, amount of co2 from storing documents and photos in the cloud, sending a text message, making a call and has partnered with Ecologi to offer a simple subscription.

1 hour of streaming a video on a mobile phone creates 9 –12g of Co2 (Honest mobile)

1 minute phone call 0.1 – 0.5g of Co2 (Honest mobile)

Text 0.014 – 0.019g of Co2 (Honest mobile)

1 GB data storage in the cloud 3kg of Co2 (8billiontrees. com)

The average person has 500GB of data stored across multiple cloud services. (Pcloud.com). For one fixed price of £36.99, they can have peace of mind that their love of the mobile phone is not damaging the world. They will get a certificate and access to see the offsetting projects they are helping to fund. Practical ideas and tips will also come out during the year on how to lessen their carbon footprint from their device even further.

The offsetting is done by planting trees, helping to set up wind farms, generating electricity from landfill, avoiding methane emissions from landfill, peatland restoration, solar power generation and other off setting projects. (https:// ecologi.com/repairnotreplace).

Repair Not Replace are also a finalist in the 2023 NNBN Business Awards for the Green Award. Since Repair Not Replace was set up it has helped its customers save approximately 480 tonnes of Co2.

Anyone wanting to sign up for the service can visit https:// repairnotreplace.co.uk/planet

THE AVERAGE USER OF A MOBILE PHONE IS GENERATING NEARLY 2 TONNES OF CO2 FROM USING THEIR PHONE

SUCCESS FOR MAISON DE BEAUTE AT THE NL AWARDS!

Last month, we were delighted to support the Northants Life Awards at The Chester House Estate as sponsors of the Best Beauty Salon category and Marie was present on stage to present the Award to the winner. We caught up with the category winner afterwards to learn more about them, but also what it was like to be an Award winner. So let us introduce you to Emily Ayris and her Award winning business……

Q. Tell us about yourself and your business

A. I’m Emily, the owner of MDB & Co, otherwise known as Maison de Beaute & Co in Northampton. I have been in the beauty industry for 16 years and started my journey in a salon where I worked for many years. I met some amazing life long friends who now make up half my team of therapists and, despite some time working from home, I’m now proudly trading from my salon for the last two years which is based in Oulton Rise, Northampton.

Q. Who services do you and your team provide?

A. Our services include luxury treatments from qualified professionals and include a number of beauty treatments including brows, lashes, waxing, manicure, pedicures, massage and skincare.

Q. What was the feeling like when you were announced as the category winner?

A. “Amazing!!! I was buzzing, so proud, honoured and lucky. It was such a lovely feeling after a busy two years building and setting up the salon and team.”

To learn more about Emily’s business, visit https://www.mdbandco.co.uk

Q. What does it mean to win the award you won and being named Best Beauty Salon at the NL Awards?

A. “I’m honoured and grateful to work with such an amazing team who are all so supportive and made my dream come true. After all the learning and challenges that have got my business to the two year mark I can’t express how much this award was the cherry on top of the cake for me.”

Q. To be recognised at any Awards event is great for morale within the business, what was it like the next time you all saw each other?

A. “I was lucky enough to have most of my team and their partners at the awards and we were all buzzing. I’m very lucky that the team are like a family, we have all supported each other. It was such an amazing atmosphere when we won. I struggled to sleep that night I was so happy.”

Q. What feedback have you had from your customers since winning the Award?

A. “They are absolutely over the moon for us. Some of our clients have supported us for nearly 15 years. So we are super grateful for their loyalty. It’s nice to know the clients are happy and like coming to the salon.”

Q. Where is your Award at this moment in time?

A. “Pride of place on the salon reception desk for all our clients, friends and family to see.”

Q. How will winning this Award help you in the future?

A. “It’s great recognition for the team and shows clients our enthusiasm for what we do. I love my salon, and my work family.”

BIPC Libraries act as engines for economic growth through helping businesses to start, run, innovate and grow. As part of the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network, the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire helps establish enterprises, create new jobs, increase turnover and boost our local economy. For every £1 invested in the BIPC Network, £6.95 is put back into the economy, which we believe represents a fantastic return on investment.

Our services cover the whole of Northamptonshire, both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire, which includes: Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough. You can find the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire at your local library.

We have hubs in Northamptonshire Central Library, Kettering Library, Wellingborough Library, Brixworth Library and Towcester Library.

You can pop into any of your nearest libraries (not just the ones mentioned) and ask for more information.

The Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire has been supporting businesses since 2015. In that time, over 1750 people have used its services and they have helped over 500 entrepreneurs start a business through a rich variety of webinars, workshops and one-to-one business and intellectual property advice sessions. The library service also provides entrepreneurs and SMEs across the UK with free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports worth thousands of pounds.

Libraries are not just full of books. They are full of ideas. As part of the British Library National Network the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire is leading a revolution by inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. It is free to join and open to everyone. And it is transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk

www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

So if you would like one-to-one business advice, access to market research databases, webinars and events, or intellectual property advice, all for free… then visit your local library to find out more at:

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Workshops/Seminars

We deliver a range of supporting activities aimed at anyone considering self employment, starting a new business or requiring advice on intellectual property.

Reset. Restart webinars

We are delivering a dedicated programme to support SMEs which can be accessed remotely, whereever you are in the UK, all for free.

One-to-one advice

We offer a wide range of one-to-one sessions for anyone who is considering self employment, and new start-ups. Advice on business basics, business planning, IP and ask an expert.

Intellectual property advice

We offer advice and information on: Patents, Copyright, Trade marks and Registered Designs.

Free subscription resources

We pay the subscription fee so that our library users can benefit from access to: COBRA, EMIS, Fame, Frost & Sullivan, Grantfinder, IBIS World, Kompass, Mintel, Newsbank, Statista and Local Data Company.

Links to useful start-up websites

Free quality business and enterprise selected by our information professionals

Networking opportunities

All our events, webinars and social media platforms provide ample networking opportunities.

All services are provided free of charge to the local community.

“We are delighted to support this new initiative in Northamptonshire.

The new NNBN membership service will provide much needed additional support, engagement and exclusive discounts to local entrepreneurs and businesses and will serve to complement existing services within Northants. We look forward to supporting and working alongside NNBN.”

- Barry Crisp

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FOOD & DRINK AWARDS ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR BEST IN CLASS DINING CATEGORIES!

With four dining categories this year in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards, judges have been busy short-listing food and drink businesses from around the county in Booker Gastro Pub of the Year sponsored by Booker, Community Café of the Year sponsored by Public Health, West Northants Council and supported by The Good Loaf, Restaurant of the Year sponsored by The Greedy Gordon pub group and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year sponsored by British Pepper and Spice. After final Mystery Shopping visits the winners will be announced in the annual Awards ceremony held in November.

Founder Rachel Mallows MBE DL said “We are delighted to have new and existing sponsors to help us to recognise so many of the varied eateries in our county. It’s still tough out there, so it is only right that we can show them some support by giving them the recognition they deserve and encouraging more people to visit them.”

Community Café of the Year which is supported by The Good Loaf is delighted to have a new sponsor in Public Health, West Northants Council. The Community Café category is all about recognising coffee shops that are exceptional, not simply for their produce, but also as stand-out establishments that contribute significantly to their local communities.

Adrian Hornigold, Catering Development Manager from Booker said “We are delighted to be supporting the Gastro Pub of the Year category. It is amazing to see the resilience, creativity and excellent mystery shopping feedback for our hardworking pubs across the county”.

Ian Kelland, Managing Director of World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year category sponsor, British Pepper & Spice commented “This is a great category for us. The originality and quality of the menus and the talent of their remarkable chefs is really noticeable this year. As in previous years, it is a difficult decision to select the individual winners from such a strong field”.

On 1st November, the accomplishments and successes of Northamptonshire Food and Drink businesses and individuals will be celebrated at the Gala Dinner at the Royal & Derngate.

To keep up to date with the latest news, please follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards using the hashtag #WFDA23.

NNBN

WELCOMES SHEHNAAZ LATIF FROM T.O.O.T. SERVICES LTD AS A NEW MEMBER

Northamptonshire Membership organisation NNBN have welcomed another new member recently with Shehnaaz Latif joining with her exciting business T.O.O.T. Services Ltd.

Having attended a few recent networking events, Shehnaaz decided to join NNBN as a full member to create meaningful connections with local businesses, explore opportunities to collaborate and be of service to people and communities in Northamptonshire.

If you aren’t familiar with T.O.O.T. it stands for Tell Others Out There and is dedicated to helping service providers to ask the right questions, at the right time, in the right format so that their clients can give them timely and useful feedback, great reviews, brilliant recommendations and sparkling testimonials!

Shehnaaz joins NNBN with an impressive 20 years’ experience as an evaluation and impact consultant and trainer. Most of her clients have been UK-based charities, eg, Macmillan, RNIB, local councils, and funders, including BBC Children in Need as well as corporate foundations, such as the Nationwide Foundation and Coop Foundation.

Director Shehnaaz said “We take the time to get to know you and your business and the difference your work intends to make. This helps us to help you craft the questions you need to ask and devise simple steps for client data to flow.

If you want us to gather the data for you, we will! With yours and your clients’ permission, we can design the questions, ask them (usually through an online interview), analyse the data and bring it to you so you can use it for social media, your website and articles to attract more of the clients that need your service.

We love helping organisations of all shapes and sizes, including charities, trusts, foundations, SMEs and large corporates to TOOT their own horn!

We provide training, advice, support and consultancy so our clients can learn the steps to gathering sparkling testimonials and useful client feedback. With our done-for-you service, we provide independence so that your clients can share their stories with us and we can play them back to you.”

NNBN Director Simon Cox said “Testimonials are key for businesses to gather and can play such a vital part in the marketing strategy of any business. Often they are overlooked or businesses don’t ask for a testimonial upon delivery of a service or product, so we’re delighted that Shehnaaz has opted to join NNBN so we can help remind fellow members and others across our social media channels that testimonials are important and that Shehnaaz is here to assist.”

If you would like to learn more about T.O.O.T. Services, then visit https://tootservices.co.uk

GREEN PATCH WAVES PRESTIGIOUS FLAG AFTER BEING AWARDED INTERNATIONAL MARK OF QUALITY

A community green space in Northamptonshire has been awarded a Green Flag, an international quality mark which recognises and rewards well-managed green spaces and parks.

The team from Kettering-based Green Patch, managed by Groundwork Northamptonshire, is celebrating after being awarded the Green Flag for the 6th time.

Kate Williams, Chief Executive of Groundwork Northamptonshire said: “We are delighted to be awarded the Green Flag status – our staff and volunteers work so hard to make Green Patch a green space that is preserved and meets the needs of the local community.

“Green Patch has grown into a thriving and essential community asset, one that makes a difference to the lives of hundreds of local people every week and is embedded in the fabric of the Kettering community.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager

Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Green Patch in achieving a Green Flag Award.

“Green Patch is a vital green space for the community in Northamptonshire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award

and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

More than 15,000 people visited Green Patch in the last 12 months and every year the Green Patch team:

• Runs 1,500 specialist workshops and activities

• Cooks and prepares 530+ meals

• Prepares around 300 veg boxes

• Provides more than 2,000kg of food to the local community

• Soaks up 232.2kg of carbon thanks to its green roofs.

• Earlier this year, Groundwork Northamptonshire launched their #CelebratingGreenPatch campaign, which has been designed to celebrate and help attract even more visitors, volunteers and supporters.

Continue reading the rest of the article and find out more here: https://nnbn.co.uk/green-patch-waves-prestigiousflag-after-being-awarded-international-mark-of-quality/

CHARITY CURRY & QUIZ FUNDRAISER RETURNS TO ENHANCE HEALTHCARE IN YOUR LOCAL HOSPITALS

Calling all quizzers and curry lovers!

Northamptonshire Health Charity is excited to be hosting its second Curry & Quiz Night at the Mewar Haveli fine dining Indian restaurant on Wellingborough Road, Northampton. The charity is raising funds to enhance patient care and support staff wellbeing in your local NHS hospitals.

Join the team for a fun-filled evening where you can bring a team of 2 to 6 people. Not only will you get to take part in the quiz but your entry fee also includes a delicious meal freshly prepared by Mewar Haveli – starters, choice of mains, sides, rice and coffee. Tickets cost £25 per person with £10 going directly to the charity.

The money raised will fund equipment, projects and initiatives that help make a difference to both patients and staff at Northampton General Hospital (NGH), Kettering General Hospital (KGH), and the community hospitals and mental health services under Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT).

From cutting-edge equipment for cancer surgeries at NGH; Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities providing more patient-centred care for the elderly at KGH; to a Therabike for Hazelwood ward at Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough that is helping patients recovering from neurological and mobility conditions, and lots more. Your support makes all the difference!

Other recent projects supported include refurbishing the family room at the Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre for NHFT, a dedicated space for staff wellbeing at NGH, and a rehabilitation garden space for patients receiving Intensive Care at KGH.

Corporate and Community Fundraiser, Abbie Campbell is organising the event. Abbie said, “I am really excited for this event. The first one was such a success and was a really great evening. It’s always great for us to be able to host events like this, have some fun and raise some funds to support our amazing NHS. This night is set to be even better than the last! I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Once again, the event is being sponsored by Commsave Credit Union. For more information and to book your tickets visit https:// northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/nncurryquiz

There are other ways to support your local hospitals and community healthcare services. Make a donation online or visit the charity’s website for ways to get involved: https://northamptonshirehealthcharity. co.uk/

INTRODUCING VULCAN WORKS

A state-of-the-art £14 million hub is offering support to creative and digital start-up businesses in Northampton. Vulcan Works, which opened its doors in the Cultural Quarter area of the town centre in February, provides lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and coworking spaces and holds a range of business support events.

The centre was created through transforming a Grade II listed former ironworks factory on the corner of Angel Street and Fetter Street as part of a £14 million project funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), who facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The team

The space was initially launched and managed by Oxford Innovation Space who oversaw the recruitment of a new team who are now running the day-to-day operations.

Garrick Hurter has been appointed as centre manager, ably supported by assistant centre manager Gail Haddon. Born and raised in South Africa, Garrick has 15 years of serviced office industry experience. Prior to joining Vulcan Works, he was involved in the operation and set-up of serviced offices across the UK and understands the unique requirements businesses have when looking for work space.

He said: “I am proud to be a part of the Vulcan Works team and help local businesses as they are starting up or scaling up. Our focus is on providing a low-risk flexible space that brings together those within the creative and digital sectors and helps them to grow and thrive.”

Gail worked in the customer service industry for 39 years before spending the last three years in the serviced office industry, which is where her passion lies. She said: “I have the most amazing role as assistant centre manager at Vulcan Works. We are creating an innovative community, offering a variety of offices, workshops, hot desking, coworking, plus a variety of meeting room facilities. It is much more than a workspace, as we provide bespoke support for all businesses within our centre.”

Customer experience assistant Hannah Tanner previously worked in e-commerce and as a theatre production assistant and has a love for all things creative. Hannah said: “I’m excited to be working with the team in this beautiful centre.”

Completing the team is business growth manager Darren Smith. Darren has a wealth of business experience, running his own primary education business for almost 20 years before taking on roles that saw him providing advice and mentoring to new businesses. Darren said: “It really is an incredible space that is so conducive to a growing creative business. In my role I get to know the wide range of businesses at Vulcan Works and work with them to support their growth through the provision of various services and organising networking events, workshops and training.”

The facilities

Vulcan Works offers flexible and cost-effective workspace solutions. These include:

Coworking

From hot desking for £17 a day to a dedicated desk with 24/7 access for £250 a month, the coworking options are a viable alternative to renting a physical office. With unlimited tea and coffee and free complimentary WiFi, you can fuel those creative juices while you work too! Vulcan Works also offers a Coworking Membership which the team anticipates will be incredibly popular over the summer holidays as working parents look for a less chaotic working environment! Coworking Membership costs just £30 a month for two days of coworking a month included (£12 a day thereafter) and members also receive a discounted rate on meeting room hire. The centre is also currently running an offer that sees the coworking space operate completely FREE OF CHARGE on the last Friday of every month – an offer that is open to everyone.

Meeting room hire Offices

Vulcan Works boasts six meeting rooms that vary in size and feel. Each meeting room has the perfect mix of industrial heritage in its design and the modern tech and facilities needed by the businesses of today. The smallest room caters for six people at a starting rate of £20 an hour. The largest space holds 80 in a theatre style layout and is available from £300 for a half-day hire. All meeting room rentals come with access to superfast WiFi, video conferencing equipment, a flip chart and pens, presentation screen, speakers and microphones, and unlimited tea and coffee.

With stunning workspaces, exceptional facilities and a real sense of community, the office spaces at Vulcan Works give solopreneurs and small businesses an environment to create, grow and innovate. The furnished offices are designed to cater for one to 24 individuals and include access to the breakout and coworking spaces, free places on business events, 24/7 office access, CCTV, superfast WiFi, communal kitchens, shower and changing rooms, and a lockable bike store. Customers will also receive advice from business growth experts.

Workshops

Being a hub for creative and digital businesses, the team at Vulcan Works recognise that some individuals and businesses in this sector need workshop spaces to bring their visions to life. This is why the centre also provides customisable workshops that can be configured to meet requirements. Those who take up a workshop at Vulcan Works can also access the kitchen facilities, lockable bike storage, showers and lockers, and have their own private entrance with street access for deliveries.

To find out more about Vulcan Works or request a show around, email info@vulcanworks.co.uk or visit vulcanworks.co.uk.

MEET THE MEMBER: JOHN KELLETT

What is the name of your business?

KR.eativ: Architects Ltd

Time in your position:

Over 40 years?

Location: Kettering and area

What was your first job when you left school? With an architect.

What jobs have you had before you do what you do today?

Being an architect and as an architectural student assistant.

What’s your biggest achievement so far? This can be in business, life or anything

Being the sole member of architectural staff for multi-million pound projects such as housing (estates and apartment blocks) and healthcare mostly. If you want me to be specific the Overstone Park Golf Course’s resort lodges (volumetric MMC) when working in-house for the developer over 30 years ago!

Tell us some interesting information about you I used to be part of Kettering Grammar School’s satellite tracking group in the 1970s which specialised in the Soviet space programme during the Cold War :-) We were the reason Kettering was on the Soviet nuclear target list and we as schoolchildren were ‘advised’ not to go on a school cruise of the Baltic as we would have been arrested and imprisoned when the ship docked in St. Petersburg. The ship would have been the Canberra which found fame during the Falklands War.

If you won £1 million tonight, what would you spend it on first ?

Complete our upwards house extension and associated renovation of the whole house to reduce energy use before getting it listed as being architecturally important by a known architect in the Moderne style 90 years ago. Then an EV each for my wife and self

What do you enjoy the most about what you do

Being an architect designing buildings of course. It is what I am. With no plans to retire or change career. That is creating spaces and places that work better for you as a human, a family or a business in terms of buildability, (objective) beauty, functionality and sustainability (all versions thereof). It is in making historic buildings (through renovation, adaption and extension etc) to still be useful in the C21 that appeals most perhaps.

If you could have dinner with three famous people, who would they be and why?

1 - Clough Williams-Ellis - architect born in the county who designed Portmeirion in North Wales used in The Prisoner cult TV series.

2 - Edwin Landseer Lutyens - Early C20 architect who was even employed by GSS architecture (under an earlier name of course) to do a Midland Bank HQ in London

3 - Jim Dale, the Carry On actor whose house I lived in in Rothwell and who also went to the Grammar school.

What do you love the most about being a member of the NNBN community?

The opportunity to meet fellow business people and, hopefully, inform them about what an architect and architecture actually are rather than the misinformation they receive from the media and non-architects :-) Also, hopefully, to grow the client base of KR.eativ: Architects such that it can grow to be larger and therefore more profitable.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Help the humans on it be of one nation and government to meet the challenge of the Earth meeting other civilisations in the Universe. That’ll be harder than hard though as 7 billion of us cannot live in Kettering or even the UK :-)

Practical Matters

Supporting those with hidden disabilities

We give individuals one-to-one bespoke support to help with gaining:

* Volunteering opportunities

* Help to access support for other issues

* Education/ Training courses

* Employment

We support organisations employ people with hidden disabilities to:

* Become Disability Confident employers

* Recruit people with hidden disabilities for your vacancies

* Help support current employees

* Complete Access to Work applications

To find out more:

www.practicalmatters.org.uk

COMMUNITY FEATURE: THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The Royal British Legion (Rushden Branch) is looking for new members and you don’t have to be a veteran to join the Legion – anyone can join! The British Legion provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

The Royal British Legion (Rushden branch) runs monthly coffee mornings on the first Thursday of the month at the Athletic Club in Newton Road from 10.30 to 12.00. Everyone is welcome so why not come along and find out more about what the Legion offers and how you could get involved.

For Veterans, the Royal British Legion (Rushden branch) offers a home visit service so if you would like a visit please contact Peter Armstrong, the Branch Community Co-ordinator on 07498 243 683. Similarly, if you know of anyone who might like a visit please refer them to Peter or visit the British Legion website https://branches. britishlegion.org.uk/ and search for the Rushden branch or visit our Facebook page rblrushden

AWARD WINNING PR COMPANY HATCHES 10TH BIRTHDAY PLANS TO GIVE BACK TO BUSINESSES

An award-winning Northampton PR and marketing company is celebrating its tenth birthday by holding a series of free training events to help charities, non-profits and small businesses grow.

Delapré Abbey-based Pilkington Communications has ‘hatched’ a new series of 30-minute online training sessions called Turtle Talks. Confirmed so far are sessions on press release writing, new social media app Threads, LinkedIn best practise and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support content marketing.

Jessica Pilkington, Director of Pilkington Communications, the company behind Turtle Academy, said: “This year is the tenth birthday of Pilkington Communications which is why we decided to launch our Turtle Talks series – to give back to non-profits, charities and small businesses and help equip them with the marketing and PR knowledge they will need to thrive, expand, recruit and grow. ‘Our success, your success’ is our birthday slogan, so these free sessions are all about sharing our expertise and successes with fellow UK organisations, a perfect birthday present!”

Turtle Talks are delivered through Turtle Academy, the training arm of Pilkington Communications. Turtle Academy was launched post-covid to help non-profits and SMEs with their digital marketing and PR.

Since launching Turtle Academy, Pilkington Communications has scooped several awards including Best Enterprising Business at the Northamptonshire SME Business Awards in June 2023 and West Northamptonshire Business of the Year at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in 2022.

Chloe Finch, PR and Marketing Assistant at Pilkington Communications, said: “I’m really excited about our Turtle Talks, and am looking forward to sharing our knowledge about platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram’s newest app Threads. Our Turtle Talks will be filled with tips, tricks and the very latest developments and, because they are bite-sized and all starting at 12noon, our delegates will be able to learn while they lunch. See you there!”

Upcoming Events

‘Integrating AI into your marketing strategy’ – Friday 1st September, 12pm to 12:30pm – BOOK HERE

CONFERENCES • EVENT SPACE • ROOM HIRE

With beautiful views of the Nene Valley from our Farmhouse Conference rooms or a large space within our 17th century Threshing Barn.

Day delegate rate of £22.00

Delegate rates include

Unlimited tea and coffee

Conferencing equipment

Food options available upon request

For more details please contact: info@chesterhouseestate.org

WHAT IS NNBN?

IT JUST GOT EASIER TO GET MORE FOR YOU & YOUR BUSINESS

The NNBN is the new and exciting business membership for Northamptonshire which is here to help businesses in the Northants area recover, build, and grow for a brighter future. The membership is open to businesses, organisations, charities, and students who are based in or provide services to Northamptonshire.

Our membership provides a large amount of benefits, which include:

MEMBER ONLY AREA & DIRECTORY

EDITORIAL & ADVERT IN NNBN DIGITAL EVENTS & NETWORKING

NNBN FUEL CARD

BUSINESS PROMOTION

NATIONAL BRAND DISCOUNTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS BENEFITS

NNBN APP ADVERTISING

WHAT MAKES THE NNBN DIFFERENT?

The NNBN is all about Northamptonshire and is the face of the business community in the area. We ensure members within the area are informed, engaged and up to date with what’s happening in the best interest of them and their business. We also keep them up to date with news, events and offers from our supporters of the NNBN.

WHAT DO I GET AS A MEMBER?

The NNBN membership gives you benefits for you, your family, your business, charity or organisation. The great benefits are split into two categories, benefits for you and benefits for your business. The great thing about our membership is even students and community groups can benefit, it is all about connecting communities and supporting you all!

Visit our website here: https://nnbn.co.uk

DOWNLOAD THE DISCOVERNN APP AND START EXPLORING

From culture, green spaces, theme parks and water activities to shopping, local eateries, health, beauty and business services, what’s the best way to discover all that’s happening across North Northamptonshire?

DiscoverNN is the answer, a brand-new mobile app launched by North Northamptonshire Council, powered by technology provider Bubltown and funded by Government’s Welcome Back Fund, awarded to local authorities across the country last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the key aim of supporting local businesses and encouraging people to shop local, DiscoverNN features offers and tailor-made promotions for customers, geo-targeted events and activities, and is free to download.

The app is simple to use and available now for local residents and visitors to the area to help them see what’s on, find shopping opportunities, plan days out, make reservations, buy products, book services, plus much more!

Councillor Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “We are really excited to be launching DiscoverNN, especially in the Spring when the weather is improving, school holidays are approaching and people are making plans to get out and about to explore.

It is a great way to bring everything together in one place, making it easy for people to discover North Northamptonshire from the palm of their hand.

“There is a wonderful range of tourist attractions in the area which are featured on the app and website including the Chester House Estate, Wicksteed Park, and our beautiful country parks, to name a few.

“DiscoverNN is for everyone, and we hope that residents and visitors will download the app and start using it to explore places they’ve never been to before to discover everything North Northamptonshire has to offer, which includes some real hidden treasures!”

Councillor Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council said: “COVID-19 has hit businesses hard, and the launch of DiscoverNN is just one of the ways we are supporting them to take steps forward, especially now everyday life is returning to how it was before the pandemic.

“We are working closely with a wide range of local businesses across the whole area to help them join this exciting new digital platform at no cost to them, so they can start promoting their offers and services directly to new and existing customers.

“We have over 60 businesses on-board so far and anticipate that this will continue to grow as more and more people hear about and start using DiscoverNN. We are proud of this app and are looking forward to seeing it build!”

DiscoverNN is available now on iPhone and Android app stores, people can search ‘DiscoverNN’ on their preferred store,or visit our website at www. northnorthants.gov.uk/discovernn to use the direct download links.

There’s still time for local businesses to sign up to be part of DiscoverNN, it’s simple, quick and free to join, and there’s support available. Businesses are invited to visit https://join.discovernn.co.uk to get signed up.

- Simon Cox, NNBN

D WNL AD THE APP

EXPL RE Y UR L CAL AREA

Search ‘ ’ on iPhone and Android app stores.

HR CONSULTANCY STARTS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF HR SUPERSTAR

After just 18 months in business the team of experts at Northamptonshire-based HR consultancy, Ena HR & Training is growing with the appointment of its first employee.

Caroline McDonald, who is a highly experienced HR practitioner, joins Ena HR & Training from Northamptonshire Police where she spent 25 years in a wide variety of HR roles including in leadership and learning and development.

In her new role, Caroline will help support Ena HR & Training’s growing list of clients with their HR requirements, supporting with recruitment and keeping them up to date with any changes to HR policy.

She said: “I’m delighted to be joining Ena HR & Training at such an important time for the business and I’m really looking forward to getting to know all our clients. I will be supporting them across the full HR spectrum and advising them in any way I can.”

For Kate Coulson, Ena HR & Training’s founder and director, Caroline’s appointment marks an important milestone and the start of a new chapter for the company she launched just last year.

She said: “It’s a really exciting moment for our business and I am delighted to have Caroline onboard. Hiring an HR superstar like Caroline just 18 months after launching the business is a real coup!

“She brings with her a wealth of experience and additional skills, not least experience with team development and selection methods, which will be hugely valuable to the company.

“For me personally, it’s fantastic to have someone with Caroline’s experience to discuss ideas with and I am confident she can really support and add value to our growing list of clients.”

Caroline will also be instrumental in helping to launch some exciting new products on behalf of Ena HR & Training, including a new online community designed to help businesses to share the HR burden.

For more information about Ena HR & Training and the range of services available visit www.ena-hr.co.uk

BEAUTY BAR DESBOROUGH

HERE AT BEAUTY BAR DESBOROUGH, WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! FROM NAILS AND FACIALS TO LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND PERMANENT MAKEUP. THE MOST RECENT ADDITION TO OUR MENU IS A RANGE OF ADVANCED FACIAL TREATMENTS, INCLUDING, DERMAPLANING, NANONEEDLING, MICRO-NEEDLING, AND CHEMICAL PEELS EACH TREATMENT HELPS TO TREAT DIFFERENT SKIN CONCERNS, FROM FINE LINES AND WRINKLES TO PIGMENTATION AND ACNE SCARRING OUR SKINCARE SPECIALIST CAN HELP TO DETERMINE THE BEST COURSE OF TREATMENT AND OFFER HELP AND SUPPORT ALONG YOUR JOURNEY TO NEW SKIN.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR ABILITY TO OFFER AN AMAZING AND PERSONAL SERVICE TO EVERY CLIENT THAT WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR MOST OF OUR TREATMENTS ARE ALLINCLUSIVE AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

@BEAUTYBARDESBOROUGH INSTAGRAM

WHY NOT PAY US A VISIT AND MEET OUR FRIENDLY THERAPISTS YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE OR GET IN CONTACT WITH US ON 01536 760222 OR EMAIL US AT HELLO@BEAUTYBARDESBOROUGH CO UK

The Ultimate Pamper Destination

A new company offering IT support to businesses has moved into offices at Waterside House at Nene Business Centre, Irthingborough. 3RS IT Solutions has hit the ground running, creating new jobs in the area already. Company founder and director, Stephen Souch, has worked in the IT industry for 16 years. He is known locally for founding NewGen IT in 2013 and building it up to business turning over £1 million with a strong team and board of directors in place

Now in a different place in his life with a wife - 3RS Marketing Director Leila Souch - and three children Riley, Reuben and Rory (the 3 ‘r’s), Stephen wanted to set up a company with a difference that was all about family and supporting other businesses where he could through his extensive IT knowledge and experience

“I am so excited about launching 3RS IT Solutions,” said Stephen. “The very nature of what we do is all about support but it doesn’t just end with IT support. We go that extra mile for our customers and our staff and feel so passionate about creating a family business with true, personal values that has the customer and staff at its heart With IT, it is so easy to go down a route that is automated but you risk losing that personal touch, which is hugely important.”

3RS IT Solutions offers a range of services including: IT support and maintenance, cloud solutions, cyber security solutions, 3CX communication solutions, IT hardware, and broadband. To find out more, call 01933 426129 or visit 3rs-it co uk

CLASSIC CAR SHOW RETURNS TO DELAPRÉ ABBEY THIS SEPTEMBER

Enjoy a day out for all the family with over a hundred vintage, classic, and specialist cars in the grounds of Northampton’s historic Abbey.

Delapré’s popular car show, Classics on the Lawn, returns on Sunday 10th September from 11am until 4pm. On display will be a variety of vehicles spanning the past 80 years including a 1961 VW camper van, a Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster, Fiat 500s and lots more, plus food and drink stalls.

In celebration of Heritage Open Days, visitors to the 12th century Abbey can also take part in free behindthe-scenes tours and listen to a presentation by leading architects, Buttress, on plans to transform the site’s dilapidated 19th century stables into a hub for wellbeing and leisure.

Amanda Nicols, Head of Operations and Projects, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust said: “Classics on the Lawn is always a popular day out – the perfect blend of heritage and community.

Taking part in Heritage Open Days also enables us to share both the rich history and future of the Abbey with special tours and a talk on our exciting 19th century stables project. The historic house will also be open for visitors to explore – it promises to be a fantastic day out for all ages!”

Delapré Abbey first opened its doors to the public in 2018 to showcase its rich past to visitors of all ages. The Urban Country House has had many lives starting out as a Cluniac nunnery, before becoming the home of the Northamptonshire Records Society and now as a place to enjoy bottomless brunch, afternoon tea and a history like none other.

Entry to Classics on the Lawn is £1 per person or free if pre-booking adult entry to the historic house (adults £8, under 18s and annual pass holders free). Tickets for the behind-the-scenes tours are free and must be prebooked in advance. To book tickets and find out more head to delapreabbey.org.

TWO NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COMPANIES

JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH ‘WEB & WORDS’ PARTNERSHIP

Two businesses in Northamptonshire have joined forces this month to launch a new partnership and product –designed to help UK businesses and charities launch new-look websites.

The duo behind Pilkington Communications, a leading PR and digital marketing company, and Poppy Design Studio, a renowned expert in WordPress website design and development, have unveiled ‘Web & Words’ – a service which is bringing website design and website copywriting under one roof.

Delapré Abbey based Pilkington Communications, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has established itself as a trusted authority in PR, digital marketing, and strategic copywriting. With a decade of industry experience, the company has a proven track record of creating compelling content and implementing effective strategies to drive business growth.

Jessica Pilkington, Director of Pilkington Communications, said: “By combining our expertise in copywriting and marketing strategy with Poppy Design Studio’s mastery of WordPress website design, our clients will benefit from a seamless end-to-end solution. You will no longer need to go to two companies to get design and words. Instead, by bringing our expertise together, we are making the commissioning of a new website, something that can be a daunting process, into a seamless, effective and even rewarding one.

Two businesses in Northamptonshire have joined forces this month to launch a new partnership and product –designed to help UK businesses and charities launch new-look websites.

The duo behind Pilkington Communications, a leading PR and digital marketing company, and Poppy Design Studio, a renowned expert in WordPress website design and development, have unveiled ‘Web & Words’ – a service which is bringing website design and website copywriting under one roof.

Delapré Abbey based Pilkington Communications, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has established itself as a trusted authority in PR, digital marketing, and strategic copywriting. With a decade of industry experience, the company has a proven track record of creating compelling content and implementing effective strategies to drive business growth.

Jessica Pilkington, Director of Pilkington Communications, said: “By combining our expertise in copywriting and marketing strategy with Poppy Design Studio’s mastery of WordPress website design, our clients will benefit from a seamless end-to-end solution. You will no longer need to go to two companies to get design and words. Instead, by bringing our expertise together, we are making the commissioning of a new website, something that can be a daunting process, into a seamless, effective and even rewarding one.

Book a Web & Words 30-minute FREE Discovery Call today:https://calendly.com/jessicapilkington/weband-words

NEED HELP FOR YOUR BUSINESS ?

As experts in business, we offer our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. Our mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.

https://www.fsb.org.uk/

A Chamber of Commerce for Northamptonshire was founded in 1917 in response to the concerns of boot and shoe manufacturers over exports during the first world war and now represents around 1,000 Northamptonshire businesses.

https://www..northants-chamber.co.uk/

Providing free business support, the Growth Hub helps local businesses to identify and connect with the right guidance and funding to maximise potential and overcome challenges.

https://www.semlepgrowthhub.com/

The Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire supports entrepreneurs, investors and small businesses from the first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.

https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk/

Business and licensing information from North Northamptonshire Council

https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/business-and-licensing

Business and licensing information from West Northamptonshire Council

https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/

The Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce was founded over 75 years ago and was formed to represent the interests and aspirations of local businesses. In 2019 the Chamber expanded to include East Northamptonshire.

The Executive Team includes individuals drawn from a wide range of backgrounds including Legal, Accounting, Commercial Property specialists, Planning Consultancy, Retail, Manufacturing, Marketing and Financial Services.

https://wencc.co.uk/

Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level. Through a series of reports, events and campaigns, Small Business Britain champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK to foster growth and increased confidence.

https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/

Do you need to develop your capacity to push your business to the next level? Find trusted expert advice and fresh ideas from the UK’s leading business schools.

https://smallbusinesscharter.org/

Businesses in Northamptonshire can register with us to ensure you are kept up to date with the latest Government incentives.

Claim your FREE one hour advisory session and find out how you can grow your business.

https://digitalfuturefirst.co.uk/

The SME Climate Hub is a pioneering global initiative that aims to create a tipping point for mainstreaming climate action and building business resilience.

SMEs represent 90% of business globally, employing 2 billion people. We are here to support millions of SMEs as they commit to halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030, and race to net-zero emissions before 2050. Our pragmatic approach aims to remove the obstacles SMEs face as they take climate action — whether curbing emissions in their own business or getting green solutions to market — and help them unlock valuable incentives.

https://businessclimatehub.org/uk/

Enterprise Nation is a vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers that exist to shortcut your route to trusted business support. Whether you’re starting or growing a business, we have the resources, expertise, and connections to help you get it right.

https://www.enterprisenation.com/