April 2007
25/04/2007 - Moat Lane Vision Developed with New Branding Launch
South Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and Northamptonshire County Council, partners on the proposed redevelopment of Moat Lane, were proud to launch the new branding for the site which marks an "exciting new future for the area" to ensure the economic health of the town centre. The ten-foot high sign, unveiled at the gateway to the site, follows the end of the six-week consultation period on the planning brief for Moat Lane, which proposes community, civic, commercial, and leisure uses and possibly some limited new residential units. The planning brief, which sets out the general principles for development of the site, received encouraging feedback from the community at a public exhibition held in early March and a number of formal responses have also been submitted to the council's planning department. Richard Fox, Head of Planning and Leisure at South Northamptonshire Council said: "The Moat Lane area of Towcester is a key town centre site and is in urgent need of regeneration. The sign unveiled today marks the beginning of an exciting new future for the area and the next stage for the Moat Lane Planning Brief, which will facilitate the delivery of this much-needed regeneration. From working closely with key stakeholders and hearing the thoughts of the community on the initial plans displayed, we are noe in the position to feedback constructive ideas into the planning brief and further develop the proposed vision for the site. We will continue to engage with local people and keep the community involved and informed of exciting progress. All the development partners are committed to creating a development with new community, civic, commercial and leisure uses that will create a varied and sustainable vibrancy in the area and stimulate widespread economic benefits." Before mid May, a response to consultation document will be made public providing a summary of the responses to the planning brief consultation and how these have been addressed by the Council. The Council will recommend changes to the brief on these responses and it is hoped a redrafted brief eill then be adopted formally in early summer. The development of Moat Lane will be funded in part by the WNDC using Growth Area Funds. WNDC views the Moat Lane proposals as central to ensuring the economic health of the town centre. "Over the next ten years, Towcester will frow in an exciting way," says Paul Quinn, WNDC Regeneration Manager. "That growth needs to include employment opportunities for local people, quality public open space and an improved retail offer. The Moat Lane proposals will help to deliver all of these objectives in the centre of town." WNDC has now received approval of £2.5 million Growth Area Funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government. Over the next few months, the Moat Lane team will also be talking to the private sector regarding investment opportunities on site.
24/04/2007 - Top Franchisor in Kettering
Snap-On Tools, based in Kettering, has been recognised as one of Britain's top franchisors by the British Franchise Association after being named a National Finalist in the BFA Franchisor of the Year category in this year's Franchisor of the Year Awards. Now Snap-On Tools is hoping the judges will name it Overall Winner in its category at a glittering gala luncheon at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday 24th May. The Awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, are designed to showcase the UK's best performing franchisors in a booming industry now employing more than 327,000 people and worth an annual £10 billion to the economy. Snap-On Tools began trading in the UK 42 years ago, distributing tools and equipment for vehicle afer-sales maintenance and repairs. The automotive industry has changed dramatically in the intervening years. Today's cars are so complex that technicians require a high degree of electronics knowledge and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to diagnose behicle faults. Snap-On has responded with products and services that allow its franchisees to keep pace with the changes, primarily in diagnostics. But they found that just providing these things was not enough. They also needed to offer training, not just for franchisees but for customers as well. A significant investment backed the launch of TechEd, which involved, firstly, training 415 franchisees across the country followed by seminars designed to help customers build up their knowledge and establish profitable businesses in vehicle diagnostics. Promoted through franchisee data bases and advertised on vans, in trade journals and by direct mail, the seminars have been hugely successful, attracting more than 3,000 customers this year. A new course, 'Advanced Engine On-Board Diagnostics' is being launched this year, with two more to follow. Although not sales driven, this initiative has undoubtedly helped Snap-On establish a huge market lead over its nearest competitor and sales of diagnostic products hace risen by £2million in just one year. In a spearate initiative, Snap-On has identified a gap in the more traditional end of the market. For 40 years their hand tool product line has been considered by some customers to be too expensive. So, alongside their heritage range, they are producing a new, more competitively priced product which will extend their grip on this sector. Customer contact has always been a fundamental element of the Snap-On business plan, with franchisees making regular weekly visits. Now, this system is being utilised to implement a hard-hitting direct marketing plan. Flyers featuring new products, monthly deals, services and industry news are supplied to the franchisees who distribute them personally, establishing a strong link between the customer, the franchisee and the franchisor. It's a link that helped produce a record year in 2006 and promises to secure a profitable future for the whole network. Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: "The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards pay homage to the very best in franchising and honour those providing a customer-centric approach to franchised businesses. The quality of this year's entries was exceptional and everyone at Snap-On Tools should be justly proud they have been shortlisted in the bfa Franchisor of the Year category." Express Newspapers' Business Advertising Manager, Yvette Taylor, added: "Snap-On Tools attests the advantages of franchising and the advantages of following a tried and tested business model and brand. "Building a strong and successful brand is something that we at Express Newspapers fully understand, and we look forward to seeing this year's winner reap the rewards of their success, and to sharing their story with our readers." HSBC's Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: "Snap-On Tools is a prime example of how franchising is a proven and successful way for businesses to expand. HSBC is committed to encouraging enterprise and development and has been supporting the franchise industry for over 20 years - we are delighted to honour the innovators who lead and inspire within hteir chosen marketplace." Source: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.
23/04/2007 - Expansion Planned for Innovation Centre
Since the University's Portfolio Innovation Centre opened in May 2006, it has become home to 14 successful tenant companies working in a range of areas including fashion, photography, film, media, design and jewellery. So successful has it been since its inception that a recent independent review by external consultants Greenborough Management - funded by Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd - recommended that the Centre triples in size. All this good news gives the Portfolio Innovation Centre an even bigger reason to celebrate on Friday 4th May, as it toasts its first birthday! Around 80 invited guests from academia, arts, local creative businesses and business support agencies ate expected at the anniversary event which will feature live music, a BBQ and a surprise gift for all guests. Wendy Nikolaidis, Portfolio Innovation Centre Manager, commented: "The Centre has gone from strength to strength in our first year of operation - we look forward to welcoming our guests to the first birthday celebrations and having a great day! We are delighted by the news that we have been recommended for expansion. This celebrates the success of our tenant companies who have created a thriving community of creativity and innovation." It looks likely that the Centre will extend to three floor and 45 units, not only housing start-up businesses in the creative industries but encompassing digital industries too in its expansion plans. The Centre is currently full to capacity and is home to: Emmeline 4 Re: - Fashion Design; Jayne West - Photography; Crazy Day Creative - Design Agency; ARK IT Solutions - Software development; Katherine Pearce Designs - Jewellery design & manufacture; Merlin IT Systems; Northampton Festival - Multi-arts festival in June 2007l Primary Cell - Media based service
Rosy James - Fine art; Touch Studios - Product design agency; Wildlife Studios UK Ltd - Creative advertising, multimedia and video production; Collective Promotions - Event management / Party planning; JM Concepts - Interior Design. The Portfolio Innovation Centre is part-funded by the European Social Fund and supported by Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd and the Arts Council East Midlands, accommodating start-up and early stage creative businesses and offering acces to creative facilities, equipment and know-how from across the University. The Centre has also been running a series of monthly Creative Cafes for local businesses, playing host to an array of guest speakers and creating excellent networking opportunities for both tenants and local businesses. For more information, please visit the Portfolio Innovation Centre Website
18/04/2007 - Train Station Car Park Grows
A congestion-busting car park extension and a bike shed scheme have been officially opened at Northampton's rail station to ease parking headaches for regular commuters. The Castle Station car park project, which began in February, was opened last week and is the first scheme anywhere in the country under the Department for Transport's new National Car Park Enhancement Programme. The extra 59 spaces follow calls from a narional rail users group to make more spaces available at rail stations, particularly at peak rush-hour times, with the offshoot of reducing congestion. Northampton is one of Silverlink's busiest stations with about 5,500 passengers using it on weekdays. Patrick Rawlinson, of Northampton's Rail Users Group, said: "Other than the extra capacity being quite a long way to walk from the platforms, I think it is a very good idea. The need has been here for a long time and I have long since stopped driving to the station becuse there has been no chance of getting a space." The new car park will operate at the same prices as the current main car park; for example £5.50 for a daily tariff which lasts until 4am the next day. It was opened by both the Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Colin Lill, and Sally Keeble, Labour MP for Northampton North, who also unveiled bike spaces for 40 bicycles near the current car park. Mrs Keeble said the latter project, although more humble, was as significant as the newly laid tarmac a few hundred yards away. She said: "It is a good thing that we can officially open this car park but I think it is as important that the bike shed is opened as it shows that the station can be a multi-modal hub of transport." As with the car park extension, the additional bike spaces was a result of joint Network Rail and Silverlink partnership. Silverlink's route director Mark Steward said: "I am delighted that we have been able to offer not only motorists but also cyclists additional and modern parking facilities. As buses also serve the station, today's developments are a major contribution to integrated transport and the environment at this station." Source: Northants News.
17/04/2007 - Tourism Businesses Urged to go for Gold
Award winning tourism businesses in the East Midlands are urging others to follow in their footsteps and seek recognition for their achievements, by going for gold in the 2007 Enjoy England Excellence Awards, the industry 'Oscars', organised by East Midlands Tourism - established by East Midlands Development Agency (emda). A total of 17 categories (see below) are open to businesses in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. They include Best Self Catering Holiday, Tourism Website, Large and Small Hotels, Visitor Attractions and Outstanding Customer Service. This year also sees the introduction of two new categories - a Green Tourism Award and Best Pub Experience, which is open to both bars and pubs. The green award is aimed at those businesses that are working to maximise their positive impact on the environment and the local area, while the pub award acknowledges the importance of eating out as part of the visitor experience. Businesses have until 30th May to get their entries in. Winners from last year's event have issued a rallying call to other tourism businesses to enter the awards in order to raise their profiles and boost business. Among them is Vivienne Taylor of Underleigh House in Hope which won the Best Bed and Breakfast of the Year title: "There's no doubt that winning the award has had a great impact on Underleigh's business," she says. "Forward bookings this year have gone like wildfire and we're now actually reaching saturation point. I would certainly encourage other tourism businesses to enter this year's awards." Elaine Tolley, Custodian of the National Trust's Mr. Straw's House, which won the Small Visitor Attraction award, agrees, saying: "Winning the award meant we immediately benefited from much greater media interest, with TV, radio and the local papers all contacting us. That gave us quite a boost in visitors at the end of last year's season and since then we've seen the media remaining keen to work with us." Mr. Straw's recently found out it had made it through to the national final of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence which takes place at London's Banqueting House on April 18th. It will be joined by the Nottingham Belfry which won the Business Tourism Award last year. Ricahrd Dickinson, chief executive of East Midlands Tourism, echoes their comments. "Tourism businesses have nothing to lose and everything to gain by entering the East Midlands Enjoy England Excellence Awards", he says. "Everyone who has won an award knows how useful it has proved in raising profile, marketing and crucially, bringing in new business." He adds: "By recognising the very best the region has to offer the awards not only bestow prestige upon the winners but also provide a quality benchmark to which all in the East Midlands' tourist industry can aspire. We are competing in a very tough market place where quality is a crucial differentiator." Businesses interested in entering the awards should contact their local Destination Management Partnership: Georgina Heathcote: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire - 01332 594542. Catherine Higham: Experience Nottinghamshire - 0115 962 8322. Josie Martino-Snook
Leicester Shire Promotions - 0116 225 4015. Sarah Gravelle: Lincolnshire Tourism - 01522 561673. Sue Kay: Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd - 01604 609539. Award categories for the 2007 Enjoy England Excellence Awards are: National categories: Bed & Breakfast / Guest House of the Year; Large Hotel of the Year (over 35 bedrooms); Small Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms); Large Vistor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors); Small Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors); Self Catering Holiday of the Year
Caravan Holiday Park of the Year; Tourism Website of the Year; Business Tourism Award of the Year
Outstanding Customer Service; Best Tourism Experience; Green Tourism; Taste of England. Regional Categories: Best Pub Experience; Think Family Award; Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.
16/04/2007 - Racer Shane in Oval Track Debut
Pop star racing driver Shane Lynch took to the Rockingham Motor Speedway track for the first time last week ahead of his first season with his new Corby based team. The Boyzone star gas been signed up by thr Revolution Racing team which has high hopes he will be lifting the rookie championship this year. At a testing session yesterday, the singer, who is also a reality TV favourite, said he was looking forward to getting behind the wheelfor the first race of the season which starts on April 29. He said: "Racing is in my blood and I have been doing it properly since 1998. This type of racing is new to me as I am coming from GT racing, but I will just see how I get on. I am not worried about how dangerous it may be, as all motorsport is dangerous. I am looking forward to joining the Corby team and am just meeting everyone today for the first time." As well as indulging his passion for speed, the celebrity will be raising cash for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund which is sponsoring his Pontiac car. The Stock Car and Speed Association Championship has been hosted at the Corby oval track since it opened in 2000. This season there will be five meetings throughout the summer months with 10 races in total. The cars, which can get up to speeds of 180mph, are fully geared for the oval track, with a steering system which only allows them to turn left. Revolution Racing is hoping that by signing the pop star they will get more people in to watch the events. Spectator numbers peaked in 2003 when big names such as Busted and the Sugababes were playing concerts alongside the racing, but in the last few years the numbers have been falling. Team manager Duane Kidd said: "We are hoping for more local support this year, so hope as many people as possible come along." Source: Northants News
16/04/2007 - Growth Forecast Boost for Shares
Share in Northampton-based Christian Salvesen soared after the haulage and warehousing firm issued an upbeat trading statement. The firm, based in Lodge Way, New Duston, flagged revenue growth of about 10 per cent in the second half following the 7.5 per cent reported in the first six months of the financial year. Profits for the year to March 31 are set to match city forecasts of £12 million, down on the £15.6 million booked a year earlier. The group said contract wins were ahead of last years £120 million, with high contract retentions rates and a continuing strong pipeline of business. The shares, which have been drifted since December's interims, lifted 13.5 per cent to 67p. Salvesen, which transports, processes and warehouses goods in the UK and continental Europe, has come under pressure to consolidate in a competitive industry. In 2004, it ended talks that could have led to a merger with pan-European rival TDG. The firm warned that results for its transport operation would reflect the "continuing challenges in the UK market". A 'thorough' review of the business will be wrapped up by the end of May. Salvesen, which is headed by Stewart Oades, added that the restructuring of its UK and Spanish transport businesses and its European food and consumer division would result in restructuring costs of about £4.5 million in the second half. Despite the fall in profit, annual sales are expected to rise to £867 million from £821 million last time, according to a consensus of analysts' forecasts. At last week;s close the group had a market value of £178 million. Source: Northants News
16/04/2007 - Changing the Face of LGV Training
Powerdriver UK can help accelerate your driving career - that's the message being transported across the county after the company's fleet of LGV training trucks was turned into a bright yellow convoy to make them more porminent on the roads. Powerdriver UK is part of Northampton College's Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Logistics, and is at the forefront of Logistics, Distribution and Road Freight Transport training. Its new look Scania and Volvo training vehicles have been transformed by The Cartwright Grou, vehicle dealers Truck East and DJB Signs and Designs as part of a project funded by the Northampton Partnership (part of Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd). Manager Peter Murphy said: "Our fleet has always been noticeable but we now have a matching set of rigis training vehicles and an articulated lorry in a dazzling yellow, with more obvious L signs and a brand new trailer witha box body as opposed to the original curtain sided one. We feel that Powerdriver UK is the best place for people to enhance their LGV skills and now our vehicles reiterate that message in big wording down the side which stands out to drivers and looks really quite impressive. They are easier to distinguish too, so road users know to be cautious." Simon Morgan, Technical Sales Manager, Cartwrights, said: "This is the first time we have built a specialised trailer for an educational, training organisation. Our client base includes Argos, Royal Mail and TNT Express, they all have very different requirements, so we are bery pleased to have been involved." Powerdriver UK offers various other courses and qualifications including forklift training, COC, driver awareness and defensive training as well as first aid and manual handling. In addition, a full range of NVQ and industry recognised qualifications for local employers, individuals and schools is on offer through the College's CoVE in Logistics.
16/04/2007 - University's Environmental Efforts
Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, visited Northampton on Thursday 12th April to find out about the town's unique contributions to improving the environment. Chris met PhD students and staff from the University of Northampton's SITA Centre for Sustainable Wastes Management. The SITA Centre aims to introduce techniques and policies that dramatically alter practices in the UK towards effective waste management. It promotes sustainable waste management through high grade research and the application of this on a regional, national and international stage. As well as discussing with students how their research is winning the University internationally-recognised status as a 'Centre of Excellence', Chris was shown the latest developments in 'in-vessel composters,' which treat leather waste, and also the world's largest wastes management library. Source: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce (Item submitted by The University of Northampton).
16/04/2007 - Corby: Building its New Future
Over the past 100 years Corby has developed from a village to a steel town and now looks set to be tranformed again says commercial property specialist Underwoods, as it is highlighted to for a key role in the Government's strategy to develop the South Midlands Milton Keynes Area. At the heart of the strategy is the construction of some 160,000 new homes for Northamptonshire, with 27,800 new homes for Corby alone. With this anticipated growth in population, Corby town centre is set to be radically changed and up-dated in the next few years. Multi-million pound plans to redevelop the area are already taking place; the town centre owner, Land Securities, has begun work on the new £35m Willow Place Shopping Centre, which is due for completion autumn 2007. The first phase of the development will feature two large stores along with a further 20 units in an open street environment - totalling approximately 175,000 sq ft (16,258 sq m). Once completed, New Look will relocate tot he scheme from its existing site in Corporation Street, joining TX Maxx and WH Smith as confirmed tenants. It is also believed that Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and HMV have signed up to take space. The new shopping centre is being constructed opposite the proposed £70 million Parkland Gateway development. This is set to include a £27m building - Corby Cube - which will house facilities such as a theatre, council chambers, register office, civic suite and a £5 million library. It was also announced at the end of last year that Corby will be the location of a brand new 50m international swimming pool and will form part of the masterplan for the flagship Parkland Gateway project. Paul Tudor, Senior Partner at Underwoods, says: "The regeneration of the town centre is probably the biggest and most important part of the 'new' Corby. Willow Place will undoubtedly help to re-establish Corby as a prime shopping location and substantially reduce the expenditure leakage to neighbouring towns." A bigger population ultimately means more customers with disposable income to spend and more customers means more business for wholesale and logistics businesses. Corby is currently the focus of considerable interest from developed and occupiers of strategic distribution units. The appeal of trhe location derives in large, part from low labour costs and relatively low cost land, combined with an advatageous location. ProLogis is offering a speculatively built unit of 150,000 sq ft (13,935 sq m) at Eurohub Rail Head and planning permission has been granted for 3.5 million sq ft (325,150 sq m) to Bee Bee Developments / Astral Developments at Stanion Plantation - this is now under construction. Such is the extent of strength of demand within the distribution market that it is considered that the existing allocated supply could be developed within the next couple of years. It is, however, also important to protect sites that are perhaps more suitable for offices, light and general industrial. In March 2006 Catalyst Corby confirmed that funding has been secured to create the £7m Corby Enterprise Centre, which will provide entrepreneurs, innovative and expanding businesses with high quality office and workshop space. Completion is anticipated in 2008. Derby based developer, Cedar House Investments, is also scheduled to commence work on a £4million office scheme at Saxon Way West on the Oakley Hay Industrial Estate - which should be completed in the summer. The development - Headway Business Park - is set to offer local occupiers the opportunity to rent or buy high quality, purpose-deisgned office accommodation, not available elsewhere in the town at present. Paul Tudor concludes: "The last few years seem to have been kind to the town an it seems as though the regeneration vision is all going to plan thus far - however there is one pivotal decision which will either open the floodgates for further development, or keep the gates formly bolted for the forseeable future. Corby has been without a passenger rail service since the early 1990s and restoring a service to the town is seen by investors and stakeholders as essential to continuing the seuccess of the regeneration scheme. Without a promise of a passenger service, the town will be very unlikely to reach its growth potential, which goes against the Government's own strategy and general sustainability ethics." On the plus side, plans have been drawn up by the county council to improve the road network in and around the town to ensure that it does not 'grind to a halt' under the pressure of Governm,ent plans for its expansion. New roads such as the £20 million Corby Link Road and the £5 million Northern Orbital Road are already in the pipeline. Under the county council's wish list, work could also take place to dual the A6003 from the Oakley Hay roundabout up the Mitchell Road. For further information please contact Samantha Jones - Underwoods Communications Manager: tel - 01933 231070. Source: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce (Item submitted by Underwoods).
02/04/2007 - Potential Unlocked in Multimillion Pound Deal
A Daventry training company and a Wellingborough security firm have teamed up to unlock the potential of over 40 Northamptonshire security staff, with help from Train to Gain, a service led by the Learning and Skills Council to help businesses succeed. In a deal worth potentially millions of pounds Train to Gain Skills Broker Alan Matthews has matched Chubb Security Personnel Ltd, based in Wellingborough, with Daventry firm TQ Training to give a pilot of 40 security staff NVQ 2 customer service training. Chubb Security Personnel Ltd, established over 30 years ago, provide over 6,000 security guards throughout the UK, and they're hoping to get all of them on to the NVQ with Train to Gain funding. Jane McKenna, Director of Training and Development for Chubb said: "Security officers have to do a four day training course in the classroom to be licensed. But I think continuous training is vital to ensure we have high quality, motivated staff. We are committed to training so we can provide a superior service and Train to Gain is helping. We're training 40 staff in Northamptonshire to start with and then the plan is to roll it out across the country using TQ Training, which could be up to 6,000 staff. Using the Train to Gain service has made everything really easy. They've taken care of every detail so I've not had any extra work at all. They've been flexible and adaptable to our needs. We're really pleased with the training they've found for us and how simple it's been to use them." Jane Qaurnby, Managing Director of TQ Training, said: "This is a brilliant contract and I'm thrilled to have got it. Chubb are a very good company who take training and development seriously and it's great to be able to help." Alan Matthews, Train to Gain Skills Broker, said: Train to Gain offers a great opportunity for local businesses to embrace the chance to tackle skills shortages in the country and receive high quality training. Recent research from the Learning and Skills Council shows that nearly two-thirds of businesses in the East Midlands lose out on increased productivity, profitability and retention of staff by ignoring free or low-cost training. So, by listening to what their customers want from their staff and getting this basic but highly valuable training, Chubb will be well ahead of the game. All companies across the region are eligible for Train to Gain services. Developing skills across the county is vital if we are to increase productivity, support advances in enterprise and innovation and improve our economic well-being." For more information on Train to Gain, telephone 0845 057 1817, text TRAIN to 64446, register at www.iwanttotrain.com or visit www.traintogain.gov.uk.
02/04/2007 - Corby Wins Top Property Award
The Urban Regeneration Company, North Northants Development Company (NNDC), has won an award for its Corby Place Marketing campaign at the Property Marketing Awards, held on Wednesday 28 March at The Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London. NNDC, in partnership with its marketing agency Creative Lynx, was successful in the category of the 'Best Public Sector Campaign' - an accolade intended to reward the best marketing campaign utilising any media on behalf of a regional development agency, public sector or local authority. Launched in 2006, NNDC's campaign targets Londoners, especially first-time buyers, young professionals saddled with bank-busting mortgages and expanding families in the capital with a series of adverts promising 'More room to breather', 'More time to relax' & 'More for you money' in Corby. A 65 minute journey from St Pancras via Kettering, Corby is using the scheme to attract commuters with new four-bedroom, detached houses available for around £180,000. Londoners couldn't fail to notice the initial eight-week campaign splash across the capital's print and broadcast media last year. Advertorial, adverts, and inserts ran in the Evening Standard, ES Magazine, London Lite and www.thisislondon.co.uk. In addition, 60-second ads, voiced by Stephen Fry, were aired on two of London's leading commercial radio stations, Magic and Heart. Commuters and city dwellers were also targeted through eye-catching escalator panel advertising in key Zone One Underground stations. The Place Marketing Campaign has its own website at www.moreincorby.co.uk developed by Creative Lynx, and the agency has a new burst of marketing underway this month. The Urban Regeneration Company, NNDC, is behind the campaign, which is part of its long-term strategy for the successful regeneration of Corby, a former steel town. The campaign has also been backed and funded by key stakeholders in Corby, including Bee Bee Developments, Cofton Ltd, English Partnerships, Land Securities and major UK housebuilders. Research, strategy and creative for the entire campaign were carried out by Creative Lynx, which has established an enviable reputation in the field of place marketing over the last 20 years, regularly taking home awards at the annual ceremony. The campaign is aimed at Londoners looking to swap the congestion and over-priced housing of London for the green spaces, fresh air and affordable new homes now found in Corby. Bob Lane, Chief Executive of NNDC, said: "We are very pleased to have won this award for the Corby Place Marketing Campaign, which is really opening people's eyeys to what the borough already has to offer in terms of open space, affordable homes and the exciting changes taking place in the town centre. We saw hundreds of new people move to the borough in 2006, and fantastic progress with development - land values doubled at Corby's Oakley Vale development over the last five years, but there are still fantastic large family homes available for under £200,000. We are very optimistic about the future, with a new phase of the campaign launched this month. Londoners should again look out for the Corby Place Marketing Campaign - with a twist". The Property Marketing Awards 2007 were staged by Estates Gazette, the leading weekly publication for property professionals, whose respected real estate journalists picked through all entries before identifying winners in seventeen categories.
02/04/2007 - Major Milestone for Corby Development
Willow Place developer Land Securities and main contractor HBG Construction celebrated the completion of a major milestone in the construction programme with a traditional topping out ceremony on 28th March. The ceremony - marking the completion of the highest point of the new town centre retails stores - was attended by senior representatives from the two companies as well as civic dignitaries and organisations involved in the project. Guests were welcomed by HGB Director Richard Dakin. He outlined the history of the topping out ceremony, which is believed to date back to Saxon times and may have included human sacrifice in order to bring good fortune from the Gods on the edifice and its inhabitants! He continued: "Current Health & Safety regulations dictate that we moderate the ceremony somewhat and so we now settle for the placing of a Yew branch at the highest part of the building. Its purpose is to ward away evil spirits and provide good fortune and Iam reliably informaed that this is an effective, far more palatable tradition that is itself over 500 years old." He then handed over to Mayor of Corby, Cllr John O'Neill, who was lifted into the air by cherry picker to place a commemorative gold bolt in the steel frame at the highest level, supported by Land Securities Development Manager Mark Rymell and Project Manager Norman Hingston. Cllr O'Neill said he was honoured to be invited and congratulated the construction company on its efforts to be a considerate contractor. He said: "There are a lot of people who live close to the development, and you would think living next to a major building site would lead to problems, but these have been kept to a minimum through HBG's consideration to hours worked, their open-door policy, and regular communications with residents and businesses. "I am delighted to be part of this ceremony, and look forward to the Autumn when Willow Place is open to the public and buzzing with shoppers buying their Christmas presents in Corby!" Mark Rymell thanked the Mayor and guests for attending, adding: "Corby has committed itself wholeheartedly to growth and I am delighted that we are playing a major part in the delivery of one of the first fruits of that regeneration programme. Willow Place will provide a focus for change, improve the community's quality of life and help raise the town's profile. But the retail opportunities are only just starting to be realised. We are fundamentally changing the retail offer of Corby so that it is more in line with current and future aspirations of the expanding population. "Land Securities have made a long-term commitment to Corby and we have ambitious plans which will see it become the prime retail destination in the region, providing a platform for further investment." HBG Construction Director John Mensforth then outlined the work HBG and Land Securities have been involved in locally with the Princes Trust. He said: "Both HBG and Land Securities are at the forefront of reponsible construction and are always keen to support initiatives and training projects which benefit the local community. We have already sponsored and helped supervise a Princes Trust project to provide external playground facilities at a local nursery and we have also been able to provide 'on the job' experience for four youngsters here on our construction site. To assist further with the local Princes Trust work we are delighted to announce that HBG and Land Securities will also jointly sponsor a 'young achiever of the year' award." On completion in October this year, the £35million Willow Place scheme will provide two new large stores, a cafe and 20 smaller shop units. Retailers who already signed up to the scheme include TK Maxx, New Look, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Fopp, WH Smith and Superdrug and more are at an advanced stage of negotiation. Plans are already being prepared for possible later phases of the scheme which could see a mulitplex cinema, bowling alley, supermarket, increased parking provision and more retail units in the town centre. More information can be found at www.willowplace.co.uk
02/04/2007 - Businesses to Link with Regional Support Services
From 1 April 2007, a new approach to delivering the Business Link service in the East Midlands will be introduced to enable improvements to customers, deliver better value for money for the public purse and ensure consistency in further building the Business Link brand. The changes - which are being overseen by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) - involve a restructuring from a service currently provided by five county-based Business Link Operators to a single, regional service provided by East Midlands Business Ltd (EMB). The move forms part of the commitment - as outlined in emda's Regional Business Support Strategy - to position Business Link as the gateway to targeted and high qulaity support, improving business creation, increasing business survival and helping to harness a culture of enterprise. Michael Carr, emda's Executive Director of Business Services, saif: "Regionalisation presents a unique opportunity for us to improve access to a wide range of business support services offered by private, public and voluntary sector partners. Business Link will employ a greater number of advisory staff who will provide high quality business support information, carry out diagnostics of business issues and signpost the client company to the relevant sources of expertise to address their needs." He continued: "The Regional Economic Strategy makes it clear that improved economic growth can only be achieved if new and existing businesses are able to grow and adapt to competition in the marketplace. By provising carefully p[lanned and best practice support through Business Link, we aim to help the East Midlands achieve its overall aim of becoming a flourishing region by 2020." The new Business LInk service will increase the number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) trading in the East Midlands; improve the survival rate of the new businesses created; and increae the growth rate and profitability of existing SMEs. EMB's new approach for business support focuses on a regional service with local delivery and builds on the strong foundations established by all five existing Business Links. Its regional centre in Derby will house the main enquiry hub, where state of the art technology will provide a more consistent servicfe to clients. Through five local area teams (based in the main town of city for each county in the East Midlands) and up to thirty local access points, clients will be offered high quality business support that is tailored to their individual needs - irrespective of where they are located in the region. An innovative IT platform will underpin the new service. key components include: a client management system; a 'knowledge bank' (building on information held by the current Business Links); a supplier database and a new regional website. Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB, said: "Exciting times are ahead. EMB aims to help businesses in the region start up, compete more effectively and grow more profitably by delivering a quality assured service. We are currently recruiting to increase the number of advisers on the ground which will be of direct benefit to all clients in the region." He added: "All existing Business Link clients have received correspondence advising of the move to a regional service operator and reiterating our commitment to ensuring consistent levels of customer service." To find out more about how Business Link can help you start, develop and grow your business, contact the Information Team from 1 April 2007, on 0845 058 6644 where an Adviser will be happy to help with your enquiry. Alternatively, visit www.businesslinkeastmidlands.co.uk for further information. Please note that clients using current Buisness Link contact details will be automativally redirected to the new regional Business Link service.