Business

Business news from across Northamptonshire. For more business news, head to www.business-times.co.uk

22nd Apr 2025

IT consultancy ignites topical discussion with collaborative launch of ‘open and honest’ podcast

A Wellingborough IT consultancy has joined forces with a fellow local company to launch a brand new podcast which aims to delve into the world of IT and video production. Targeted at business owners and those with an interest in all things tech, the open and honest ‘Say Something Souch’ podcast has been launched by 3RS IT Solutions in collaboration with video production company, Say Something Creative. Each episode will see knowledge and expertise shared by Steve Souch, managing director and Ethan Malvern, technical director of 3RS, and Jordan Leonard, managing director at Say Something Creative. The trio of experts will raise awareness and ignite discussion on trending topics in the tech, marketing, and business world. “We have been working with Jordan at Say Something Creative for over a year now, creating video content for the business,” explains Steve Souch, managing director, 3RS IT Solutions. “We often joked about changing..

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10th Apr 2025

Care homes in Northampton invited to apply for £100 VE Day celebrations grant

Care homes in the Northampton parish area are invited to apply for a £100 grant to help them celebrate the forthcoming VE Day 80 on 8th May. Northampton Town Council is offering the grant to all eligible elderly people’s care homes, as part of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marked end of World War II in Europe. Applications can be made by completing a short form on the town council’s website: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/ve80carehomegrant A Northampton Town Council spokesperson said: “This is a significant anniversary for the nation and Europe, along with a chance to remember our war veterans who gave their lives for peace, and honour the many military personnel who protect our freedom today. “We are making these grants are available to support the town’s older residents, many of whom will have witnessed VE Day in 1945, and give them the opportunity to be a part..

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26th Mar 2025

Putting people before profit and pioneering change

MPower Talent founders Daryl and Steph Riley are committed to change the way in which recruitment services and support are delivered both to employers and to those seeking new employment. Daryl has spent two decades in professional recruitment and business consulting with global international businesses and smaller boutique companies. He believes he has seen and heard it all when it comes to the good, the bad and the ugly in the recruitment industry and has been challenging leadership teams and their behaviours to be fairer, unbiased and more human centric. “Job hunting can be soul-destroying and building relationships with recruiters is harder than ever, especially if you do not equal immediate revenue to them,” Daryl said.”And what happens to the people who do not fit the immediate mould? “If we are to genuinely and authentically help people, we need to start putting people before profit and not to solely treat..

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26th Feb 2025

Record number of teams sign up for the Franklins £50 Challenge

A record number of 60 teams have signed up to take part in the Franklins £50 Challenge to raise money for 12 charities across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. The Apprentice-style challenge sees teams receive £50 seed funding from the organisers – prominent legal firm Franklins Solicitors. The 2025 challenge kicked off on Monday 24 February and teams have until Friday 23 May to come up with creative ways to turn their initial £50 funding into as much money as possible for their chosen charity. The teams taking part this year range from sole traders such as Mindy Robinson of SophistiCake Creations in Northampton to teams from department store chain John Lewis & Partners. They also come from a wide range of industry sectors, including: accountancy, law, agricultural, recruitment, training, hospitality, catering, manufacturing, marketing and insurance, to name a few. Last year’s challenge saw teams fundraising by everything from bake sales..

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14th Jan 2025

How is future earning potential considered in a financial settlement...

When you are going through a divorce, or dissolution of your civil partnership, a key concern will be to ensure that you will have financial security once it has all been decided. What each of you is likely to earn in the future will be a factor that is looked at for this purpose. This may be a particular area of focus for you, if one of you gave up your career to raise the family and supported the other to progress and flourish in theirs. ‘You may also wonder how a wish to retire early, or perhaps work less, might affect the way in which future earnings are considered,’ says Connor Williams in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. ‘It is therefore a good idea to understand how this factor is taken into account, and what you may need to think about before starting the process.’ Is..

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10th Dec 2024

The impact of the 2024 Budget on your estate planning

The latest UK budget introduced several measures that may significantly impact your estate planning, with implications for Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and pension transfers. These changes may affect the way you manage your estate, make tax-efficient transfers to beneficiaries, or utilise reliefs and exemptions effectively. ‘Given these substantial changes, it is crucial you seek professional advice to navigate the new landscape and ensure your estate planning strategies remain effective and compliant,’ says Susan Owens, Senior Partner at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston . ‘Each person’s circumstances will be unique, so it may also be necessary to involve your independent financial advisor and your accountant.’ Susan explores some of the key budget changes which may affect your estate planning and IHT position. IHT bands remain frozen The budget preserved the current nil-rate band (£325,000) and the residence nil-rate band (£175,000) and these will continue to be fixed at these..

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26th Nov 2024

The search is on for local company’s charity of the year for 2025

An IT consultancy based in Wellingborough is calling on local children’s charities to put themselves forward to be considered as its charity of the year for 2025. 3RS IT Solutions is keen to continue its fundraising efforts for a second consecutive year to help provide support to a charity in need. With three young children of their own, company directors at 3RS Leila and Steve Souch, are committed to finding a children’s charity as its new charity of the year: “Our son Reuben is living with autism and he is the inspiration behind all the fundraising that we do,” said Leila Souch, marketing director. “That’s why we are keen to continue our fundraising efforts by supporting a charity in Northamptonshire throughout 2025 – in particular, one that helps children who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses. “We are well aware that there are charities working in the community who are currently struggling..

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26th Nov 2024

First ever ‘MP Heroes’ Award for Northamptonshire business owner is presented at Westminster

One of the county’s leading female business owners has been awarded a prestigious ‘MP HERoes Award’ – in recognition for her achievements in business and her commitment to Northamptonshire’s charity and non-profit sector. Jessica Pilkington, founder and director of Northamptonshire based PR and marketing company Pilkington Communications, was nominated for the award by Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South and collected her award from Westminster Palace this month. Jessica, who in her new role as an MP HERo, will now attend year-round activities at Parliament and be called upon to champion female entrepreneurship in the UK, said: “This is a huge honour. I am particularly proud as this is the first year a Northamptonshire person has been selected for this award. This is all about building a talent pool of local role models, successful business owners with ambition to grow, who lead the way for other women. I am passionate about..

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31st Oct 2024

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston pledges support to charities during Will writing campaign

A solicitors firm in Northamptonshire has pledged its support to seven charities by signing up to an annual Will-writing campaign. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has been a part of the Will Aid scheme for over 15 years helping raise vital donations every November by writing basic Wills and waiving their usual fee, instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid. In total, the firm has raised over £107,000.00 for Will Aid since it first took part and is aiming to make this their best year yet. Susan Owens said: “Will Aid is an exceptional campaign, that offers people the chance to get a professionally written Will while supporting important causes that change lives for the better both here in the UK and around the world. “As solicitors, we’re delighted to volunteer our time and expertise to support such a fantastic campaign and are hoping to raise a..

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30th Jul 2024

Rust Bucket Rally Team Race Ahead with Fundraising Challenge

A team of car enthusiasts has helped to put the fun back into fundraising driving 2,500 miles across Europe in cars worth less than £500. The Rust Bucket Rally, which is organised by Wellingborough-based Carlos Baldry, is an annual fundraising event which sees teams drive across Europe in just four days. Now in its 10th year, the event takes place every June raising money for various charities. This year, 56 cars travelled through England, France, Monaco, Italy and Switzerland, raising more than £43,000 for the MND Association. On Wednesday, members of the Rust Bucket Rally team visited the Association’s national office at Northampton’s Moulton Park to learn more about the impact their fundraising is having on the Association’s work. The money will contribute towards research into potential new treatments. Carlos said: “It has been incredible to visit the Association to find out more about the incredible work it does to..

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07th Jul 2024

Northampton hosts Female Founders Summit with Mary Portas as headline speaker

On Friday and Saturday next week, Northampton will be the stage for an empowering event designed to help women thrive in business, featuring the renowned 'Queen of Shops,' Mary Portas, as the headline speaker. The Female Founders Summit 2024, organised by accredited master coach Lucienne Shakir in collaboration with West Northamptonshire Council and a network of local businesswomen, will take place on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July across various town centre venues. Mary Portas, celebrated businesswoman, broadcaster, author, and activist, is best known for her BBC series Mary Queen of Shops and her work with some of the biggest names in global retail. As co-chair of the Better Business Act, she leads a coalition advocating for UK companies to align their interests with broader societal and environmental goals. She will grace the stage at the Royal Theatre on Saturday evening. Northampton-based Lucienne, who has coached and supported hundreds of..

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13th Jun 2024

Drive Your Independence: Experience Freedom with Bristol Street Motors

Nothing should stop us from living a full life, with independence and freedom. Welcome to The Motability Scheme, worry-free motoring through an all-inclusive leasing package that helps disabled people, their families and carers to get on the move and enjoy their independence. When you have a condition or disability, being able to get around can mean the difference between living a full and happy life or not. At Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall/Citroen Northampton, we have a passion for helping people find that freedom. The Motability Scheme is so simple. Exchange all or part of your mobility allowance to lease a brand new car and enjoy the reassurance of a new car with none of the worries associated with buying and running an older one. Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall/Citroen Northampton is proud to support the Motability Scheme in the UK, and can offer a wide choice of vehicles, award-winning service and..

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06th Jun 2024

Family mediation: a free choice and often a good one

Discover why family mediation might be your best option with Wilson Browne solicitors. Learn about the benefits of choosing mediation over court battles, understand the process, and find out how it can save you time, money, and emotional stress. For the time being, the Government has ruled out compulsory mediation in family cases. As a result those wanting to apply to the Courts to sort out finances within their divorce proceedings, or seeking to set out arrangements for their children in an Order, will still have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is subject to certain exemptions, primarily around domestic abuse. Is this a good thing? The Court system is in a dire state with backlogs and delays resulting in a final trial hearing taking a substantial time to reach, with the accompanying significant costs and emotional distress. Alternatives are necessary – and in so many..

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29th May 2024

Northampton philanthropist given Freedom of City of London

A well-known Northampton businessman has been handed the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his charity work and commitment to the community in his home nation of Bangladesh. Naz Islam was presented with the title during a reception held at The Guildhall in London on Tuesday, 28 May. During a 27-year career, Naz has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family. He said: “Receiving this honour means the world to me and I am grateful beyond words for this recognition. It was a very special moment and one I will treasure forever. “I care passionately about my community, both here in Northampton and in Bangladesh. I have always tried to give back, helping those less fortunate than myself and raising money for local charities that are close to..

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28th May 2024

Join the Saints Corporate Touch Rugby Tournament at Franklin’s Gardens

Experience the excitement of playing on the legendary turf at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer. On June 5, the Northampton Saints will host their Corporate Touch rugby tournament, offering a fantastic afternoon of team-building through rugby. Businesses from across the region are gearing up to compete on the main pitch at the Gardens. The day will feature a BBQ and DJ, providing plenty of opportunities for interaction, bonding, and networking with colleagues, friends, and other businesses. Each team must consist of ten players, including a minimum of two women. Teams will compete for the latest piece of silverware, playing at least four matches throughout the afternoon. There are still spots available for you and your colleagues to join the tournament. Here are the details: Saints Corporate Touch 2024 Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Time: 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM Location: Main Pitch, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens Price:..

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