Business

Northampton’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night time economy has been formally recognised with the confirmation of its Purple Flag accreditation. Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) was on hand to collect the globally recognised award at a ceremony in Nottingham, alongside Charlie Childs, Markets and Urban Activities Manager at West Northamptonshire Council. This prestigious award highlights Northampton's blend of night time entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Purple Flag, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the world including everything from world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns. Northampton Town Centre BID has worked closely with multiple partners, including West..

A record number of teams have signed up for a charity challenge to raise funds for eight charities from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. The Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by local legal firm Franklins Solicitors LLP, has a total of 42 teams taking part – the highest number since the challenge first launched in 2018. Teams have already started their fundraising efforts with initiatives ranging from doughnut sales to raffles, dress down days, net-walks and office swear boxes. The Apprentice-style fundraising challenge sees each team receive £50 from Franklins Solicitors. The teams then have three months to turn the seed funding into more money for their chosen charity. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation. The eight charities benefitting from this year’s challenge are Cynthia Spencer Hospice, the Hope..

Facing a breach of a child arrangement order (CAO) after parental separation can be distressing. This article guides on handling non-compliance, from direct communication to court enforcement, and explores the financial implications in such scenarios, with expert legal advice. A child arrangement order (sometimes referred to as a CAO) is a court order which stipulates the contact arrangements for a child following parental separation. This type of court order is normally only needed when parents cannot reach agreement between themselves on what is best for their child. ‘Breach of a child arrangement order can cause distress for a parent, but also results instability for children. At times it can even mean children are not permitted to see one of their parents, so it is important to understand your options when a breach occurs,’ says Connor Williams, a Litigation Executive in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. What is..

Anyone who is considering replacing doors or windows in their homes may feel overwhelmed by the process and the various, options, advice and claims made by different companies. So, what should you look out for when researching? How do you know that the claims which are being made are true, and what are the key things to look out for? Knowing the answers to questions can make a real difference in making the right decision for such a large investment. As the best product, fitted in the right way can save consumers hundreds every year in energy bills – but getting it wrong can be very costly. Here are some of the key things to check: Does the company have independent accreditations and can they prove it ? It is always best to check the company’s independent accreditations. For example, the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) are the leading consumer..

If David Beckham did have an affair, would it be relevant to divorce proceedings? In the spotlight, the Beckham saga raises questions about alleged affairs. Since ‘no-fault’ divorce’s introduction, the landscape has transformed, eliminating the need for blame. Ed Rawlins from Wilson Browne Solicitors unravels the impact and broader implications of these changes on today’s divorcing couples. In a four-part TV series, titled ‘Beckham’, ‘Posh’ addressed the speculation that David allegedly had an affair while he was playing for Real Madrid. The questions is…Did he? Didn’t he? Is there any evidence, or is it all media speculation? Before 6th April 2022 adultery was a fact that could be relied upon to issue divorce proceedings – if it was admitted or there was evidence that it had taken place. However, since then ‘no fault’ divorce has been introduced. The traditional process for divorce entailed one party providing a specific reason for..

Four Northamptonshire-based charities are set to benefit from an Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by Franklins Solicitors LLP. Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Hope Centre have once again been selected to benefit from the challenge and two new Northampton-based charities – The Lewis Foundation and Northamptonshire Community Foundation – have been chosen to gain valuable funds from the challenge in 2024. The challenge sees each participating team receive an initial £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors, a prominent legal firm with offices in Northampton and Milton Keynes. Each team then has three months to turn the £50 seed funding into substantial funds for their chosen charity however they choose – anything from bake sales to barbecues, auctions, car washes and more. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation. The 2024..

Gray & Moo is a family-run luxury soft play business that has been taking Northamptonshire by storm over the past year. We spoke to the owner Niki to find out a bit more about the business, how it became such a success, and what we can expect to see in the future... Hi Niki! Tell us a bit about Gray & Moo and what inspired you to start this business? Absolutely! Gray & Moo is a family-run luxury soft play business based in Wellingborough. We provide premium play equipment for children's parties, weddings, christenings, and various events. I started this venture about a year ago as a passion project, bringing a creative touch to my life, given my background in marketing and PR. It began as a weekend hobby but quickly took off, and now I've provided soft play for over 100 local events. Congratulations on celebrating your first year!..

Untangling the emotional threads of a relationship during a divorce is challenging, but unraveling the financial knots, particularly when it comes to shared assets like a home, can feel daunting. The family home, a symbol of shared dreams and memories, suddenly becomes a pressing financial concern. With fluctuations in the economy and the ever-looming cost-of-living crisis, many separating couples find themselves pondering: ‘What happens to our mortgage now?’ Navigating this delicate terrain requires understanding, clarity, and timely advice. Let’s delve into the options and considerations you need to keep in mind. With interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis in the headlines daily, mortgage affordability is a concern for many homeowners, not least for couples who are separating and wondering how this will affect their mortgage arrangements. ‘Most couples prefer to negotiate a clean financial break so that they have no ongoing financial ties, but if you have a joint mortgage,..

Navigating the complexities of medical negligence can be overwhelming. In this article, Wilson Browne solicitors delve deep into the realm of clinical negligence in maternity care. From the heartbreak of stillbirths to the long-term consequences of birth injuries, they underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the tragic repercussions of subpar medical care. Offering guidance on potential legal recourse, this is a must-read for those seeking clarity and justice in such grievous situations. It seems like hardly a month goes by without another news story where people have not received the medical care and attention they needed. Whether it’s diagnosis and treatment for cancer, or sad situations involving care during pregnancy or childbirth, it never makes for good reading, but what do we mean when we talk about Medical Negligence (aka Clinical Negligence)? Medical negligence can occur during any interaction a patient has with a medical professional when care falls..

Nakasero, a female-led, family-owned business known for producing award-winning vegan-accredited condiments, is thrilled to announce the sale of its beloved recipes to a global manufacturer. "We are extremely happy and excited to announce this sale," stated Gita Raikundalia, the founder of Nakasero. "The sale of our Nakasero recipes is a significant change, allowing the range to expand its reach to a new generation of consumers. I am delighted that my recipes will now travel the globe, just as I had envisaged." Since its inception in 2019, Nakasero has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional vegan-accredited condiments. The brand's commitment to quality, taste, and clean eating has garnered a dedicated following, both locally and internationally. Nakasero has received numerous accolades, including New Business of the Year, Local Artisan Product of the Year, Two-time Businesswoman of the Year, Lloyds Small Business of the Year, and a Bronze award in the One to..

A Community Fund set up by a Northamptonshire based credit union has made its latest donation – supporting looked after children across Northamptonshire. Commsave, one of the largest and most successful credit unions in the UK, set up its Community Fund last year, and has since awarded nearly £30,000 to both local and UK-wide charities and causes. This month the credit union awarded £2,000 to Northamptonshire Children's Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which delivers children's social care and targeted early help services on behalf of both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council. The donation was used to recognise and reward children at the recent Children in Care Awards. Categories included Aspirational Star, Determined to Learn, Super Skills and Making a Difference. Colin Foster, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, said: “Commsave’s generosity helped make our Children in Care Awards extra special. These awards are all about celebrating children and young..

A town centre hotel is to be 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 is currently run under the Radisson banner but will become a Mercure next year as part of the rebrand. 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..

Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way with innovative roof styles that will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only do they look great, but they also significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs.  T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof System is made from quality materials that are designed to last for years without needing repairs or replacement. Plus, they come with a 10-year warranty! Now that the hotter weather is upon us, having a conservatory that is kept cool is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a cool conservatory ensures a comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and recreation. This can be achieved by adding thermally efficient transparent vents to your roof. They create more light and circulation of air, meaning homeowners can utilise their conservatory all year round, even during the hot summer months.  Homeowners can now enjoy the beauty of..

Doors have opened at a treasure trove for people looking for anything from material remnants to products that will offer a stylish touch to a home. The shop is the latest initiative for Sue Cardy who saw an opportunity to make better use of the space at her showroom and workshop based at Sywell Aerodrome.  Sue will be offering a good selection of fabric end of rolls and remnants which range from luscious printed velvets to crisp cottons and textured silks or linens, plains through to traditional and contemporary patterns, something for everyone who enjoys crafting and sewing.  There is a wealth of other items from soft furnishings to accessories.  These include handmade glass from Nobile, interesting individual pottery items, Swaffer rugs which are made to order and soft furnishings like lampshades and cushions. The shop will be open most Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am-3pm, other times by appointment, feel free..

A local award-winning business, which started out during the pandemic, is celebrating after ending 2022 by hitting a huge milestone. Family-run business Nakasero, have announced that their range of products, are now available to buy from premium retail store Whole Foods. The unique-tasting condiments and relishes are already popular amongst the local community, but now the products are available to a whole new range of customers. Gita Raikundalia, Nakasero owner said: “I am incredibly thrilled that Nakasero is available to buy in Whole Foods. “I have always dreamed about my products being sold by premium retailers. To see my relishes available in Whole Foods is just incredible. “I’ve been so determined to share Nakasero with the world – as a family we’ve been working diligently behind the scenes and this just shows that hard work pays off.” When asked how the opportunity..