UK businesses are, for the first time, being invited to have their say on the government’s electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) proposals. E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyers and suppliers. It could help businesses get their tax right first time, reduce invoicing and data errors, improve the accuracy of VAT returns, help close the tax gap and save time and money. It usually results in faster business to business payments, leading to improved cash flow and less paperwork. This will help cut down time and resources businesses spend managing their tax affairs so they can be more productive. It...

13 February, 2025

Businesses and entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire are invited to a special session at Wicksteed Park as part of the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition on Thursday, 6th March 2025, to hear directly from North Northamptonshire Council about its new Economic Growth Strategy. The session, taking place from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, will offer valuable insights into the council’s plans to drive economic development, support businesses, and create opportunities across North Northamptonshire. Attendees will be able to understand the Economic Growth Strategy, which will be presented at the Business Exhibition in Kettering. Why Attend? Gain first-hand knowledge about the council’s vision for economic growth in...

13 February, 2025

A leading Northamptonshire leasing company has chosen its Charity of the Year for 2025. Silverstone Leasing has announced that Cynthia Spencer Hospice will be the sole beneficiary of its fundraising for the sixth consecutive year. In the past, the team at Silverstone Leasing has taken part in numerous challenges in aid of the hospice including an abseil and running race, and this year fundraising efforts look set to include a family fun day and marathon. The main event of the year will be the Silverstone Soccer charity football tournament, which takes place each summer and has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice...

12 February, 2025

New research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that one in four (25%) businesses are missing out on a significant talent pool by not offering apprenticeship programmes for young people joining the workforce straight from school. Published to mark National Apprenticeship Week, the survey* of senior decision makers in 605 medium-sized businesses in the UK finds that the main reasons these employers do not currently offer a school leaver apprenticeship programme are: The level of work/resource required They’re unclear about the benefits school leaver apprentices would bring to their business The incentives to do so aren’t...

12 February, 2025

A Northampton-based health and safety firm has released a second book in as many months to help boost safety management in a niche industry. Acorn Safety Services, based near Moulton Park, has released Solar Safe: Master Compliance, Lead Fearlessly, Build with Confidence to give advice to workers on solar farm projects so they can manage health and responsibilities across these niche sites. The book covers numerous topics to help people get to grips with a number of UK regulations while improving their mindset to tackle health and safety issues in a more proactive manner. It also gives tips and strategies to ‘build...

11 February, 2025

A Northamptonshire-based business is earning worldwide attention after being asked to facilitate a sensitive job for a client based in Australia. Specialist Remediation Solutions (SRS) of Desborough works with a wide range of clients from across the country including, but not limited to, commercial businesses, police, care homes, landlords and estate agents and other private clients. They offer a number of extensive services including house clearances, crime scene and trauma clean-ups, and virus decontamination. Despite only setting up in the last year, their expert team has a combined 30 years of experience and has completed more than 150 projects, using the best...

11 February, 2025

New research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP reveals that while many companies in the East of England anticipate needing extra funding for growth this year, most expect a struggle to secure it. The firm’s research* which surveyed 800 businesses in the UK, finds that 70% expect that they’ll need to apply for additional funding this year. The most common amount expected to be needed was between £10million - £25million. The top reasons noted for this extra funding are to ‘invest in new premises or equipment’ and to ‘invest in R&D or new service offerings’. Over one...

11 February, 2025

Initial work has started on shaping the first Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the North Northamptonshire area and residents are being asked to share their views to help with the development of the plan. The creation of a Local Transport Plan is a statutory requirement and North Northamptonshire Council are required to set out its plans and policies for transport as well as how they will be implemented. The last plan that included North Northamptonshire was the Northamptonshire Transportation Plan produced by the former Northamptonshire County Council in 2012. Now, the council are engaging with residents and stakeholders on what is known as...

10 February, 2025

The Chester House Estate has been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom quality education badge after being recognised for its range of unique and inspiring programmes, alongside other leading educational providers in the country. The Irchester Estate is steeped in more than 10,000 years of history, and the learning department provides curriculum aligned school trips to encourage students to connect with heritage. The Department for Education’s guidance on Health & Safety on Educational Visits recommends that schools look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing external providers of educational visits. Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for...

10 February, 2025

Sector-specific employer forums will be held at Northampton College to help organisations discover how apprentices can benefit their businesses. Organised to support National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from February 10 to 16, the sessions will give employers the chance to learn what is involved in launching apprenticeship schemes and outline the support Northampton College can offer. A different sector will be represented at each forum, with dedicated events for Digital, Business and Finance; Culinary Arts; Early Years; Construction; Engineering, Fabrication and Welding and Motor Vehicle; and Hairdressing and Barbering being held between March and June. Northampton College Principal Jason Lancaster said: “Apprenticeships...

10 February, 2025

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to take part in the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which has been launched today. This important survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey in the UK, providing invaluable insights into the current economic climate. Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment and is keen to hear from all businesses and employers as part of the survey. In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives that align with the...

10 February, 2025