North Northants Business Network: Recent Episodes
North Northants Business Network
Talking with the North Northants Business Community.
Listen to interviews, views, news and what's going on on the North Northants Business Network podcast channel!
Friday saw another radio show dedicated to business for the North Northamptonshire business community.
The show, which was aired on Rushden based Beat Route Radio, was hosted by Ian Griffiths where he chatted to NNBN Director Simon Cox for 15 minutes live on air talking business and what’s happening locally and the dreaded R word......
Listen again to the show by clicking here and keep an eye on the NNBN Social Media for the next live broadcast.
Tony Robinson OBE is a corporate speaker, multiple business owner, campaigner and writer on leadership, happy workplaces, enterprise and entrepreneurship.
He is Chair of Yorkshire in Business Limited (YIB) and all his work in the UK and overseas is in collaboration with Yorkshire in Business Limited.
“Be More Happipreneur!” is the fun and inspiring, one-man, one-hour Show of the 5* best-selling book ‘The Happipreneur’.
Every organisation, of every size, in the private, public and third sectors needs enterprising people to succeed.
Do you lead or value or enjoy being with enterprising people?
Could you fill a theatre, a conference room, a hall, a cafe, a pub or a field with enterprising people?
Do you have employees, customers; suppliers, a network, a community, colleagues, friends and family that might like to learn how to BE MORE HAPPIPRENEUR?
Tony is a multiple business owner over three decades, Chair of Yorkshire in Business Limited, Patron of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, Judge for the major UK Entrepreneurship Awards, the founder of the SFEDI Group and co-founder of ‘One Million Helping Hands’ – the Annual #MicroBizMatters Day. He is the recipient of 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards for Enterprise, was awarded the National Enterprise Network’s ‘Enterprise Support Champion 2019’ and Hull City Council’s ‘Youth Enterprise Champion 2021’.
E: tonyrobinsonobe@gmail.com
URL: www.tonyrobinsonobe.com
Tw: @TonyRobinsonOBE
Mobile : +44 (0) 7715 749079
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Simon Laskey is a qualified Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser.
He has gained a wide range of accountancy and tax experience over the years and specialised for several years in tax. He has owned and ran his own successful practices in Kettering and Huntingdon in succession.
Simon now supports personal and business clients with a wide range of accountancy and tax services such as accounts, Tax Returns, new business start ups, planning and related advice. He undertakes interim and project work in both Public Practice and Industry, providing a flexible resource when it is needed.
Here you can listen to Simon talking about his services and tax planning and why start up businesses should plan their numbers.
Simon's website is https://simonlaskey.com
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Listen to Charlie Stone, the driving force and visionary behind North Northamptonshire's Community Radio Station as they approach their third birthday since they launched in July 2019.
Charlie is an inspiration to the younger generation as he has led the radio station from day one from an idea and vision to hosting the Christmas Lights Switch On for both Kettering Borough Council and North Northamptonshire Council.
Charlie's passion for radio is clear to see (and hear!) and he is also helping the future generations by leading the Shire Sounds Radio Academy - an academy for young people to learn broadcasting skills.
In this recording, you'll hear Charlie share both the positives and negatives of the radio station and he talks about why radio broadcasting is good for businesses as well.
To learn more and listen to Shire Sounds Radio visit https://shiresoundsradio.co.uk
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Jessica Pilkington from Pilkington Communications shares her business journey, how she started her business and shares some hints and tips with us throughout the 29 minutes that she's with us.
Have a listen of how she's helped businesses, her success in networking and talks about the elevator pitch!
Pilkington Communications, led by a team of former journalists and experts in marketing, is an unapologetically small and proudly mighty public relations and communications agency that delivers big ideas, effective messages and measurable results.
They are experts at helping our clients innovatively embrace all the communications channels at their fingertips, helping transform organisations and stakeholder relationships through carefully crafted PR and digital marketing campaigns.
They specialise in supporting the not-for-profit sector, creative & cultural organisations and businesses that make a social impact.
They make it our mission to get to know you, your business and your objectives and our tailored, bespoke approach guarantees headlines, positive profile and results.
Focused PR is the key to effective reputation management, and all businesses – local, national or international, big or small, private or public – can benefit from planned public relations activity and clear messaging.
Jessica's company, Pilkington Communications, includes a growing team of former journalists, social media experts and designers who have a passion for generating excellent content and using it to create innovative and integrated PR campaigns.
You can visit Pilkington Communications on line here: https://pilkington-comms.co.uk/
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Rupert's mission as a Business Coach is to change the way business owners think about their business, to get what they want from their business!
The goal is to directly impact 500 local businesses in 2020, to be more effective with their time and effort and help business owners get their work life integration back.
Rupert talks about the role of a Business Coach and how his business can help support start up businesses.
Have a look at Rupert's website here: https://oakham.actioncoach.co.uk/
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Keeping on top of your own development is key, but what about your own people ?
Kate Coulson from Kate Coulson HR & Training joins NNSTARTUP to talk about her services and how she can help start up businesses as well as sharing her own start up journey.
Kate has worked in HR and management for over 20 years and she wants to bring that experience to you. Her experience is backed up by accreditations from the CIPD, Prince 2 and the Chartered Management Institute.
Kate is passionate about people, achieving goals and excellence in customer service. Someone once said to her that 'where others run from a challenge you face it head on, run towards it, and offer a solution!' Don't take her word for that, check out her testimonials and see what others really think.
So why has Kate set up Kate Coulson HR & Training? Kate is a working mum who wants to have the right balance in her life between raising her family and a rewarding career. By sharing her knowledge and expertise with small business owners in a flexible and human way Kate knows she can achieve this.
You can visit Kate's website here: https://www.katecoulsonhr.co.uk/
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Alison Holland from Brightwayz talks about the support for social enterprises in North Northamptonshire with the North Northants Social Enterprise Network and also her journey in business and how she turned a passion into her business.
The NNSE Network are especially keen to show local leaders and decision-makers how our way of doing business can help solve the many issues we face nowadays in financially and ethically sustainable ways – from climate change, covid challenges and crime to creating a healthy planet, healthy people and a healthy economy.
You can find out more by visiting here - http://nnse.org.uk/
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Business Advisor Adam Lawton talks about the support that the University of Northampton can offer start up and established businesses.
The University’s Business Support team is a delivery partner in the South East Midlands Start-up Programme (SEMSUP). Led by Wenta, this European project focuses on social enterprises and start-ups across the South East Midlands area. The support includes the provision of one-to-one advice, workshops, grants and more.
UON Startup Support
The UON service combines FREE online information, interactive webinars and intensive personalised one to one support from their fully accredited advisers, who will help you plan your journey towards achieving your goals.
You can find out more by visiting here - https://www.uonsupportforbusiness.co.uk/start-up/uon-startup-support/
To talk to Adam directly, call 01604 893560
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Ami Pendergrass from WorkChum talks about her business and how they started out in 2022.
WorkChum make work work by providing expert workplace advice, coaching and mentoring to employees, self-employed, and business.
In other words, you are stuck. And being stuck costs you time, money and stress!
WorkChum helps you manage that challenge, tackle that change, and gets you unstuck by providing you expert workplace advice, coaching and mentoring.
WorkChum help you bridge the gap between the challenge you face and the success you want.
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.uk for more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Adam is a passionate believer that the success of our communities will come from the businesses that thrive within it, and the more businesses he can help break-through the High-Growth, High-Value Gateway, the better, both socially and economically we will be.
As an entrepreneur himself, he knows first-hand how important it is to build up your business. And when you're trying to grow your company, there's not a lot of time left over for anything else.
Adam started his first company back in 2011, when he was just 40 years young. He'd always been fascinated by the idea of owning his own business - and after working as a Senior Executive/Trouble Shooter for a number years - it was time for him to make that dream a reality.
Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy! In fact, it's been downright hard at times. But he's learned so much along the way about what it takes to make your business successful: Routines, Consistency, and most importantly… Sales! (You can have the most efficient business in the world, but if you don't have sales… well, you're dead.)
Adam now helps Business Owners develop Strategies for navigating the Highs and Lows of business life. His goal is to help them find their way into their sweet spot, where they can build something valuable, sustainably scale it up, and then reap the rewards of having a targeted and established customer base.
🔴 WHAT OTHERS SAY
"the time and support you gave us was a complete game changer for us." - Aspire Training
"Adam has made a refreshing difference to our business! Highly recommended!" Louise R: Global Director
"Adam and the team are brilliant. They know their stuff..." Raam S: Founder Equitus Engineering
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Think Bigger | Act Faster | Grow Smarter
🎯 Mindset Management
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🎯 LinkedIn Lead Generation
🎯 Online Courses & Masterclasses
🔗 https://www.newwaygrowth.com
🔹 FactoryIQ
The Smart Factory Made Simple - Digital Operations and Plug-&-Play CNC Machine Monitoring 🔗 https://www.factory-iq.co.uk
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Helping UK Manufacturers Reduce Costs, Foster Innovation & Accelerate Growth 🔗 https://www.tcmuklimited.co.uk
☎️ 0330 311 2820
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Meet Claire Flinders from MOJO Accounting.
Claire and her team work with many clients virtually. They are here to support you. They are about making accountancy and bookkeeping simple. It doesn’t matter whether it’s over the phone, face-to-face at our office or on-site with you. They are here to support you.
Claire talks about her own start up journey and some great tips for start up businesses when it comes to accountancy.
You can find MOJO Accounting's free resource library on their website which contains help and advice for businesses so why not have a look and connect with Claire if they can help you. Their website is here: https://mojoaccounting.co.uk/
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Listen to Patricia Greaves from the Business & IP Centre kicking off NNSTARTUP Day for 2022 where Patricia talks through the services available to start up businesses.
Patricia talks about free resources for businesses which are also available for established businesses as well and also an exciting £2,000 grant that businesses who started trading from 1st May 2022 can apply for.
Visit https://bipcnorthamptonshire.co.ukto read more about the services the BIPC can offer.
About NNSTARTUP DAY.
The day was launched by Simon Cox and supported by NNBN (see https://nnbn.co.ukfor more information) and releases 12 videos throughout the day broadcast on the NNBN Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nnbnltd)
Yesterday saw another first radio show dedicated to business for the North Northamptonshire business community.
The show, which was aired on Rushden based Beat Route Radio, was hosted by Ian Griffiths where he chatted to NNBN Director Simon Cox for half an hour live on air talking business and what’s happening locally.
Here you can listen to Simon and Ian talking about business grants, Merged Futures, the NNBN/Digital Futures First event, the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition and lots more!
Listen again to the show by clicking here and keep an eye on the NNBN Social Media for the next live broadcast.
A whole day of free digital and tech innovation talks, workshops and demonstrations including VR, robotics, digital marketing and much more
Merged Futures is our annual tech innovation showcase bringing together experts in emerging technologies to showcase the great work taking place in Northamptonshire and beyond.
Where and when Merged Futures 4 will be held on Friday 17th June 2022 at the Learning Hub on University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus.
Get your free ticket
Book your free place below - we’ll send a reminder before the day, including all the information you’ll need about directions, parking and more.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/merged-futures-4-the-4th-annual-digital-northants-tech-innovation-showcase-tickets-269606760077
Did you know the Voi scooter and e-bike trial across North Northamptonshire has been extended ?
Listen to Matthew Pencharz, Head of Public Policy for UK, Ireland & the Netherlands for Voi and Simon Cox talking about the extension, how the e-bikes and e-scooters work and how they are good for the environment.
You can read more on the North Northants Business Network website here
It's challenging running a business, but running a home as a self employed person can add extra stress and strain to people.
On this podcast recording, you'll be able to hear Simon Cox and Jo Moore from Accommodation Concern, a charity based in Kettering, talking about support for small business owners and also how businesses can help the charity.
It's a tough world and sometimes people need a bit of extra support especially around finances.
Last Friday saw the first radio show dedicated to business for the North Northamptonshire business community.
The show, which was aired on Rushden based Beat Route Radio, was hosted by Ian Griffiths where he chatted to NNBN Director Simon Cox for an hour live on air talking business and what’s happening locally.
Listen to Ian and Simon talking about the launch of the NNBN taking place at Chester House in Irchester and details of the forthcoming Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Exhibition taking place on 8th March.
In the first of a series of monthly shows, local businesses will be able to tune in to listen to local business news, support available for businesses, up and coming business events and business tips and ideas across an hour.
Listen again to the show by clicking here and tune in for the next live broadcast on Friday 18th March at 10.00 am by visiting https://beatrouteradio.co.uk and click on LISTEN LIVE
Listen to Charlie Stone talking to Simon about the growth of Shire Sounds Radio, the sound of North Northamptonshire and how the station has grown from a hobby and an idea to now running a training academy for young people in Kettering town centre who are interested in radio broadcasting.
Charlie talks about how Shire Sounds Radio led the Christmas light switch on in Kettering town centre in 2019 and again in 2021 and how radio is great for boosting confidence.
You can visit the Shire Sounds Radio website by visiting https://shiresoundsradio.co.uk
An uplifting and moving performance by a ‘Singing Solicitor’ has captured emotions on social media, as donations flood in in support of a Northamptonshire charity.
“A shining example of teamwork”, “everyone should be immensely proud”, “a beautiful song” and “I am so, so proud of the amazing people in our local community” were among the many comments received after Kevin Rogers, chairman of regional law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, launched a fundraising single to raise money for The Lewis Foundation.
Kevin enlisted the help of Kettering General Hospital’s choir, broadcaster John Griff, and Northamptonshire-based musicians Beccy Hurrell and Ian Taylor, to film and record a heart-warming rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic; Make You Feel My Love.
The track and footage was launched live on LinkedIn on World Cancer Day, and is now available to stream, buy or share, with donations via the JustGiving pagegoing to The Lewis Foundation – an award-winning charity which provides free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients in 15 hospitals across the Midlands
Kevin said: “We have all been blown away by the initial response – myself, John, the fantastic KGH choir and local musicians, Beccy and Ian – and to see the momentum continuing to grow is just amazing. There were many tears of joy during the live launch.
“People are sharing their own personal stories now too which is boosting awareness of our campaign.
“Our first ever Singing Solicitor fundraiser in 2021 raised over £2,500 for The Lewis Foundation – but we’re already well over £2,400 with gift aid. This money will make such a difference to those living with cancer and who are undergoing gruelling treatment. We’re urging more people to donate.”
Lorraine added: “The song and video has touched so many and is a beautiful reminder of why we do the work we do – showing love and kindness by giving free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients. We can’t thank Kevin and the whole team enough for what they are doing, and we can’t wait to see where this campaign will end.”
Make you Feel My Love by the #singingsolicitor is licensed by Sony Music Publishing (UK) Ltd and is available on Amazon / Spotify / Apple Music / iTunes / YouTubeMusic.
Watch the live launch and full video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kevinrogersdisputesolver_worldcancerday-activity-6895297462995927040-bCFF
Donations to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/makeyoufeelmylove
Adam Lawton, a Business Advisor with the University of Northampton, talks with Simon on this latest episode about the support available for small businesses from the University of Northampton Business Support team.
Listen to Simon and Adam talking about the various levels of support and how you can get in touch for free advice and help.
With the high streets rapidly changing and town centres becoming places of destination and not all about retail, Simon talks to Lindsey Atkins and Beccy Hurrell about how they are bringing creative arts to the high street through Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts.
The business was started at the end of 2018, as part of Beccy's continued professional practice development. During the first part of her MA in Vocal Pedagogy Beccy wanted to find a more affordable solution for people who wanted to sing, so looked at evidence-based ways of teaching groups which encouraged learning and discovering as well as singing songs together.
Beccy Hurrell Voice Academy came out of that, along with her adult and kids group classes (Harmonix and Sing Squad). Beccy also began supporting other singing teachers with her subject knowledge of the voice as well as sharing her experience of running her own voice academy to support their businesses to grow.
Lindsey teamed up with Beccy when Beccy Hurrell Voice Academy made the transition into Beccy Hurrell Voice and Arts Ltd in early 2021 after years of them both discussing and sharing a passion for the benefits of quality arts provision and education. Beccy and Lindsey share the same vision and mission: to ensure everyone is inspired, through quality and up-to-date teaching techniques, to create unique artistic responses to their chosen art form and then be able to find the joy through celebrating and sharing their achievements. This is what has always driven me in her work within Arts Education.
Lindsey talks about the forthcoming charity single which is raising money for The Lewis Foundation in Northampton, featuring Kevin Rogers from Kettering based Wilson Browne Solicitors, John Griff, Broadcaster and Journalist, Business Consultant Ian Taylor and the Kettering General Hospital Choir. Listen to what song they will be releasing very soon to raise money for the Lewis Foundation by listening to the podcast as well as the services provided by Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts for all ages.
The first Northamptonshire Chamber Business Exhibition has been announced for 2022.
The event will be held on International Women’s Day, Tuesday, 8th March, at Kettering Conference Centre from 10am until 3.30pm, and will include talks by key business leaders, including the Chamber’s first ever female president, Robyn Allen.
The exhibition, sponsored by Chamber Business Platinum Partners dbfb, is open to both members and non-members, and is free to attend for all visitors on the day.
The major event will boast more than 50 stands showcasing the wares of Northamptonshire’s finest businesses, as well as exciting seminars and plenty of opportunities for organisations from across the area to connect and network
It will include a Business Before Hours networking event, from 8.30am until 10am, with a breakfast and structured networking opportunity for attendees.
There will also be a panel discussion on Unconscious Bias, hosted by the Chamber’s Women With Vision Network and a topical seminar, entitled Social Media for Small Businesses, delivered by 123 Internet Group.
Places for the breakfast networking and seminar must be pre-booked.
Speakers at the event include Chamber president Robyn Allen, a representative from North Northamptonshire Council and sponsor dbfb’s Simon Pickering.
Simon said: “We’re excited to be the headline sponsors at this year’s exhibition. After a challenging few years for many, we’re looking forward to physically networking with other local businesses to create new connections and supercharge our local business community in 2022.
We are particularly glad to be sponsoring the event due to this year’s theme. In 2021 we became Front of Shirt sponsors for the Women’s First Team at the Northampton Town Football Club and we’re fully invested in supporting and mentoring women within the community. It’s great to see the Chamber running the exhibition on such a significant day, accompanied by an important theme.”
Newly crowned Northamptonshire Chamber president Robyn Allen said: “I am very much looking forward to my first exhibition as Chamber president. As ever, the Chamber team has been hard at work on making the event the best it can possibly be, and as a Women With Vision Champion, I am delighted to see this fantastic event take place on International Women’s Day.”
“Our Women With Vision Network was born from a passion to help business women and create a community of support and mentorship. Holding an exhibition exactly a year since its conception, seems a very fitting way to mark the first anniversary milestone and celebrate its success.”
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s Deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “This exhibition, and included events, will allow the local business community to network, share best practise and make new connections, which is everything our Chamber aspires to provide for those we serve.
“If you are an entrepreneur or business person, come along and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”