A family-run garage in Northampton has been recognised as one of the top garages in the UK. Service MOT Repairs, based on the Round Spinney Industrial Estate, was recognised in the Top Garage 2025 awards, run by Aftermarket Magazine. After progressing through several rounds, which included a competence-based quiz, answering questions about recent investments, submitting photos of the garage, and presenting to judges, Service MOT Repairs reached the final 10 garages in its category – Top Garage with 4 – 6 employees. As finalists, Service MOT Repairs were invited to a glittering awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Coventry. Whilst they...

05 December, 2025

Four Northamptonshire small businesses have been recognised within the top 100 small businesses according to Small Business Britain as part of this year's Small Business Saturday campaign. Richer Solutions (Corby), Media8 Therapy (Daventry), Melody Woman Music (Yardley Gobion) and Sheer Edge (Desborough) were announced in August as part of the top 100 providing them with a unique opportunity of being invited to the House of Lords for a very special reception along with a further invite to meet Chancellor of the Exchequor Rachel Reeves. Small Business Saturday in the UK is a campaign that encourages people to support small, local and independent...

05 December, 2025

Northampton town centre is set to burst into festive life on Small Business Saturday, with a packed programme of family-friendly activities, character appearances and a town-wide competition designed to encourage shoppers to explore and support local businesses. The highlight of the activities on Saturday, 6 December will be a mischievous ‘Grinch Takeover’ in Market Square, where families can enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with the Grinch every 30 minutes between 3pm and 5.30pm. Expect festive fun, photo opportunities and plenty of seasonal mischief. Earlier in the day, budding bakers can get creative at cupcake decorating workshops in the Grosvenor Gatherings unit at Grosvenor Shopping...

29 November, 2025

In line with guidance from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, North Northamptonshire Council has published its latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2024/25. The report demonstrates a 4% reduction in emissions compared to 2023/24 and an 8.2 % reduction against the baseline. This illustrates a good rate of progress in terms of meeting year-on-year reduction targets. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, North Northamptonshire Council must reduce emissions by 3.6% annually. Key achievements over the past year include: Solar PV panels installed at Rushden Splash Leisure Pool are projected to yield a financial savings of £26,000 in electricity costs and...

28 November, 2025

As Black Friday sales descend and the Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear, Northamptonshire-based credit union, Commsave, is calling on consumers to reject unsafe lending options and shop smarter for the festive period. With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes and predatory loan sharks making it easier than ever to spend beyond their means, many shoppers risk entering 2026 already burdened by debt. Matt Goulding, CEO of Commsave said: "Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many it is a source of significant financial stress. Too many people will still be paying off last year's Christmas as they head...

28 November, 2025

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being crowned Northamptonshire’s Venue of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards. Judges praised the Abbey for its “wide variety of offerings suitable for all communities and businesses,” noting its innovative use of heritage spaces and its leadership across the county’s cultural landscape. This back-to-back win reinforces Delapré Abbey’s position as one of Northamptonshire’s most distinctive and versatile cultural and hospitality destinations. The award highlights the Trust’s dedication to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage with its historic setting and beautiful parkland....

25 November, 2025

North Northamptonshire Council has published a report on the success of the Chester House Estate since it opened to the public in 2021 and the impact on the local area. The report, now available to read in full on the Estate’s website, looks at the benefits to the county. It covers areas including: Visitor engagement Educational programmes Heritage work Community activities Volunteering Contribution to the local tourism economy Key figures and highlights from the report which demonstrate the Estate’s success and work include: More than 15,000 children have visited the Estate since opening as part of the Estate’s educational offering Creating Tomorrow...

25 November, 2025

The inspirational operations director at a thriving health and safety consultancy has been crowned as Businesswoman of the Year at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEA). Zeynep Guzelkasap, of Acorn Safety Services, took home the much-coveted title at the renowned local awards, which happened on Friday (21st November) at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. The judges praised Zeynep’s commerciality and “community minded approach” and the powerhouse collected her trophy to rapturous applause and cheers from her delighted colleagues. Zeynep was promoted from operations manager to operations director at Northampton’s Acorn Safety Services earlier this year, following her integral involvement in the company’s exponential growth. During...

25 November, 2025

A charity initiative at Northampton’s Vulcan Works will support a popular local present appeal in the run up to Christmas. Charity Tuesdays see the town centre workspace offer free hotdesking in its coworking space every Tuesday, in exchange for a nominal charity donation, which has so far raised hundreds of pounds for local causes. For the next four weeks, instead of a financial donation, Vulcan Works is inviting visitors to instead donate a gift to the NLive Radio Present Appeal. The appeal calls on the generosity of the Northampton public to donate gifts to ensure that those in need during the festive season...

24 November, 2025

Thriving Northamptonshire vehicle leasing firm Silverstone Leasing has partnered with global electric automotive powerhouse Tesla to provide a brand-new self-serve test drive station for customers. Drivers wanting to try out the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y can now visit Silverstone Leasing’s Preston Deanery base and take the cars out independently, using state-of-the-art technology. Bookings are made directly through the Tesla website or app, where customers choose a one-hour slot before receiving clear instructions by email and text on how to access the vehicles. On arrival, they simply unlock the chosen car using a smartphone and head out for an unaccompanied drive. The...

24 November, 2025

It's official — Zinc Digital is Northamptonshire's best small business and top innovator, after celebrating a double win at the 2025 Northamptonshire Business Awards. The Northamptonshire-based agency, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, won Small Business of the Year and the West Northants Innovation Award at the prestigious ceremony organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. This double win recognises both Zinc Digital's impressive business growth and its groundbreaking work in digital innovation. Joe, Founder and CEO of Zinc Digital, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to win two awards at the Northamptonshire Business Awards. To be recognised for both small business excellence and...

24 November, 2025