December 2006
22/12/2006 - Northampton Town Centre Agreement Signed
The development of Northampton town centre has moved a major step forward with the signing of an agreement between the borough council and the owners of the Grosvenor Centre, Legal & General. The collaboration agreement signals a breakthrough in the negotiations and commits both partners to 'a period of exclusivity' - working solely with one another on the development of the Grosvenor Centre, and the council-pwned bus station. Leader of Northampton Borough Council, Cllr Tim Hadland, said: "The town centre is top of our development agenda, and the Grosvenor Centre is at the heart of it. The collaboration agreement moves the Grosvenor Centre project forward and I hope that by the Summer we will be signing up to a formal development agreement." Councillor John Caswell, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, signed the agreement on behalf of Northampton Borough Council. He said: "This is a great Christmas present for the town. The council and Legal & General have continued discussions throughout the year, and have now reached a point where we are ready to demonstrate our joint commitment to this project. Northampton Borough Council and Legal & General are working together to make Northampton's shopping centre a first class offer for shoppers." Helen Gordon, Director (Life Fund) of Legal & General Property said: "We are delighted that the council have committed resources to bring the opportunity forward and we very much look forward to working with the council to create a development of which the residents of Northampton will be proud.
21/12/2006 - Rockingham Wet Grip gives Extra Kick
Rockingham Circuit in Northamptonshire has taken its £1.5 million Wet Grip facility to a new level of sophistication this week, with the installation of a new hi-tech kick-plate. The new kick-plate -- the only one in the UK -- means Rockingham's Wet Grip facility is able to offer car manufacturers and component suppliers the ultimate automotive demonstration venue capable of meeting their varied and exacting needs. As a vehicle crosses the kick-plate at speeds between 15 and 40 mph, sensors in the ground are triggered and a hydraulic piston below the surface of the plate creates a 'kick' movement. The rear of the vehicle then swerves, causing it to start skidding on the adjacent wet performance surfaces. The kick-plate also makes it possible to simulate at low speeds what happends to a vehicle during violent manouvres at high speeds. The plate's ability to produce varying levels of kick - and therefore skid - means organisations can carry out precise testing of ABS braking, traction control and ESP systems in a safe and controlled environment. "The kick-plate makes Rockingham's Wet Grip facility unique in the UK," commented Rockingham Chairman Len O'Hagan. "The kick-plate is the only one in the UK and one of only three in Europe. This is a fantastic feature that makes our facility first choice for driving training programmes and testing new technologies such as ESP. We have already received excellent feedback from clients using Wet Grip, and the kick-plate can only lead to greater customer satisfaction." The existing wet performance surfaces, together with the all-new kick-plate, now give manufacturers the opportunity to evaluate a combination of driving ability, electronic ayatems and the effects of physics on their vehicles in the same place, at the same time. Developed in co-operation with MIRA, the state-of-the-art Rockingham Wet Grip facility offers unrivalled extreme weather automotive demonstration facilities. The performance surfaces have been developed in line with the latest manufacturer standards and simulate ice, rain, and even the effects of wet leaves. Also unique in the UK are the water walls, which can be randomly programmed with 19 different settings and create the closest possible simulation of a real-life emergency avoidance situation. The Wet Grip facility can be booked by contacting Rockingham on 01536 271273.
21/12/2006 - More Business Start-up Training from University
The University of Northampton's successful Northampton Business School is delivering more in a series of free Rainbow enterprise workshops throughout the region in January 2007. The Business School's European Social Fund (Equal) Business Creation Partnership project assists under-represented groups within the region to start up businesses. As part of the project, access to free training is offered covering important topics for those to consider when going into self-employment, such as marketing, cash-flow, networking and business planning. The courses have a strong emphasis on business planning and at the end of the seven week programme, with the support of the project's business advisors, participants should have a SFEDI (Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative) accredited business plan to take to financial institutions for funding. The courses will run in central Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby for seven weeks from mid or the end of January 2007, depending upon the location. Participants do not need any formal qualifications to go on the course, but must identify with one of the under-represented groups which the project is targeting: women, rural dwellers, black, minority and ethnic community, ex-offenders or youths. Dr Simon Denny, Associate Dean of Northampton Business School and Director of the Funded Project Unit, comments: "We are delighted to be able to continue to offer this popular programme which offers free, flexible training to under-represented groups who could benefit from it in the regions." For further details about these courses please contact Pam Cormack and / or Maria Cabello on 01604 893408/9, or email pam.cormack@northampton.ac.uk.
19/12/2006 - Town's Growth Gets Approval
A decision made at a council meeting last week will see the face of a town change over the next ten years. Stanton Cross, an 837-acre extension to Wellingborough encompassing 3,100 homes, alrge tracts of business land, and community, health, education and leisure facilities, is expected to become a reality from next year after planning permission was granted at a full council meeting at Swanspool House. The extension, which was first discuessed in the late 1990s, was granted outline planning in March this year, and work on 'phase one' of the development - nearly 400 homes and two access routes - is expected to start next year. The town new roads will connect the development to the town, including a link at the railway station on Midland Road and one leading from The Embankment near the A45. Once the first stage is complete, which is expected to happen in 2008, the developers will begin the next phase - about 1,580 homes, as well as employment land and extra access routes into the development from Finedon Road. Mike Johnson, managing director of Bovis Homes' South Midlands region, said: "Stanton Cross will be an important boost for the town of Wellingborough, bringing a range of new homes, parks and open space as well as about 7,000 jobs and £150m of community and infrastructure improvements over the course of the development. "We have worked hard with the council to bring the scheme to this stage and we hope that the planning decision is successful so that we can start to make these plans a reality". Source: NorthantsNews
18/12/2006 - Hundreds of Jobs Secured in Northampton
600 Jobs Secured at Avon HQ - A total of 600 jobs at cosmetics firm Avon have been secured after plans to build the company's new European headquarters in Northampton were given the green light. The West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) last night approved plans for the demolition of the current Avon building in Nunn Mills Road and the creation of a new, five storey office block on the same site. The deputy chairman of WNDC, John Weir, said the company's plans highlighted the importance of Northampton on the international business map. He also said the success of the cosmetic firm combined with other Northampton organisations, including Church's shoes and The University of Northampton's fashion department, marked the town out as a growing fashion centre. He sadi: "I think the people of Northampton should feel really pleased a business with such a high profiels wants to stay in the town centre. This move secures the future for the 600 jobs in Northampton and it also sends out a message that companies like Avon see Northampton as a place which is suitable for their European Headquarters. I think with Prada owning Church's shoes and the tremendous success of the univeristy's fashion department, this should put down a marker to say Northampton can be a really dynamic, fashionable place to be." The re-development of the Avon site is needed because the cost of renovating the company's current buildings is not viable. The site also has a number of unused buildings following the removal of manufacturing from the area. The Avon redevelopment will open up a large area of land for re-development in Nunn Mills Road. It is hoped that up to 1,250 houses could be built on land close to the company's new headquarters as part of a development which would link up with another housing scheme in nearby Ransome Road. The developments would also see improvements made to the waterfront.
One Thousand Jobs at 'Green Centre' - One of the most envirnmentally friendly buildings in Europe will be built on the outskirts of Northampton, creating 1,000 new jobs. The WNDC last week gave permission for the development of a 500,000 sq ft distribution centre to be built at Pineham, close to junction 15a of the M1. The centre will be used by one of the country's top supermarket chains and has been designed to exceed current environmental standards. Deputy chairman John Weir, said: "Throughout the whole of Europe this is the first better-than-carbon-neutral-distribution centre that's ever been built." The building will include solar panels and devices to catch rain water as well as a regional centre for plastic & cardboard recycling. It will also feature special measure designed to reduce both the use of lights and heating. WNDC planning committee member, Councillor Les Marriott, said: "We're the capital of the country for this kind of thing, so if we're going to have more warehouses we need something of this fantastic standard. This is a massive site and a massive development and the jobs are extremely welcome." The warehouse will be part of a larger industrial estate on farmland at Pineham. Developers ProLogis hope to have part of the estate completed as soon as August next year, and it will be used by a top supermarket chain. Source: Northampton Today
18/12/2006 - New Blueprint for Town Centre
Major plans to radically improve Northampton town centre are set to take a massive step forward. After years of stalled attempts to improve the town, a powerful new group will be created next month to drive forward vital schemes including: The extension of the Grosvenor Centre, to implement long-delayed plans to create 60 new shops; The demolition of the Greyfriars bus station; The regeneration of Abington Street, where possible plans could include the replacement of benches and bins, and the reintroduction of traffic. The group will be led by the Chairman of government-backed West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). He said: "The town centre has stalled. We feel it needs a ringmaster to take control and that's what we want to do. It's not going to be easy and some of it will take up to 20 years, but there needs to be a vision and somebody to get in there and make things happen." The owners of the Grsovenor Centre, insurance giants Legal and General, will be invited to work with the Board to develop the shopping centre's expansion plans, which have stalled since they were first announced in 2000. They will be joined by other major players in the future of the town, including Northampton Borough Council. Mr Barwell said: "This town needs some brilliant new stores. We also need to get the Grosvenor Centre situation sorted and we all know the bus station needs to be pulled down. I think if we can create some real leadership with what we're planning to do, we'll attract the right sort of positive people to invest in Northampton. "We all want a better Northampton and I think if we can get the right people together in this group it will work." Mr Barwell added the group, which will be known as the Town Centre Strategic Board, would also work to protect the heritage of the town by preserving the areas around All Saints Church and the Market Square. He said: "We don't know all the answers, but we know we've got to make the place more dynamic. It will still take time, but we'll certainly quicken the pace." The group is expected to hold its first meeting in January. Source: Northampton Today
14/12/2006 - 25th Knowledge Transfer Partnership Announced
Following recent announcements of additions to its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) portfolio, the Univeristy of Northampton is pleased to announce that it has successfully added a 25th to its remit! The company partner is Lionmede Ltd, a sign and graphics manufacturing company based in Northampton which covers all aspects of design, planning, manufacturing, installation and project management. Under its umbrella, it encompasses Northampton Signs and Midland Sign Systems. KTP is a Depratment of Trade and Industry (DTI) government run programme which enables academic staff to partner with commercial organisations on joint projects, in order to exploit specialist knowledge within the Univeristy to improve manufacturing and commercial performance. The particular project brief for Lionmede Ltd is to research, design and implement a manufacturing continuous improvement methodology in the areas of factory layout, product flow, inventory management, operations and machine utilisation. The academic expertise is led by John Cooper, Senior Lecturer, Engineering, School of Applied Sciences, The University of Northampton, with challenges to lend his extensive industry and academic knowledge to a business in a highly competitive market, researching current technologies and materials which will inform modules of Engineering courses at the Univeristy as well as developing his skills and teaching practices. Rex Lowing, company chairman, Lionmede Ltd, said: "Northampton Signs has succeeded in offering its customers a very competitive service by using a wide range of advanced technologies not traditionally associated with the sign trade. This KTP will build on this, using the wide range of manufacturing knowledge available at The Univeristy of Northampton." The University of Northampton is the county's sole agent for the programme and the benefits to employers in engaging with KTPs are well documeted - the latest information shows that, on average, the business benefits that can be expected from a single KTP project are an increase of over £290,000 in annual profits before tax; the creation of eight genuine new jobs and an increase in the skills of existing staff. Put another way, for every £1 million of Government investment in Kowledge Transfer Partnerships, the benefits achieved by UK businesses amount to: £4.2 million increase in annual profits before tax; The creation of 112 genuine new jobs; 214 company trained staff. The Univeristy is also toasting the successes of two of its completed KTP programmes which have received high gradings. The well publicised Kettering Textiles Ltd KTP for recycled fashion scooped a rare 'excellent' accolade and Solutions Group Plc, Northampton, also received a 'very good' rating from Department of Trade and Industry. The Univeristy's Knowledge Exchange has responsibility for the institutions KTP portfolio. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact John Jones on 01604 892598 or email: john.jones@northampton.ac.uk
12/12/2006 - Enterprise Initiative is Runner-up in Europe
East Midlands Enterprise Initiative Named Runner-up in European Awards. A rural area in the East Midlands has been rewarded as runner-up of the Enterprise Support Award at the European Enterprise Awards ceremony in Brussels, which took place on Thursday 7 December. The Welland Sub-regional Strategic Partnership (SSP), which is supported by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), was announced runner-up after beating more than fifty other European enterprise initiatives at the Awards ceremony. The SSP, a finalist in the Department of Trade and Industry's Enterprising Britain competition, covers 1,000 sq miles of rural Harborough, Melton, Rutland, South Kesteven and East Northamptonshire and includes 12 market towns. The Awards, which have been described as the 'Oscars for Enterprise Development' in Europe, are modelled on the DTI's highly successful Enterprising Britain competition and recognise outstanding initiatives that support entrepreneurship at a regional leveland promote the role enterprise plays in society. This is the second time in two years the the East Midlands has taken centre stage - Sherwood Energy Village in Ollerton, in Nottinghamshire, won Enterprising Britain in 2005. Welcoming the news, Industry and Regions Minister Margaret Hodge said: "Well done to the Welland SSP, by encouraging enterprise theu have helped transform their region's economy and they are an excellent example of why the UK is such an enterprising place. Their work has left a lasting legacy, and will hopefully inspire many other regions and countries throughout Europe to create the right conditions for entrepreneurs and small businesses to flourish." The enterprising initiatives in the Welland area proved so successful they turned 1,000 sq miles of rural countryside into a strong, economically viable area. The Welland is staggeringly beautiful with high value homes in picture perfect villages which mask areas of deprivation and social exclusion. The SSP has stimulated £32m investment into the local economy through public and private sector funding since 2003. Since then more than 1,500 new jobs have been created, 485 new businesses generated and 61 new community facilities established. Working with a number of partners across all sectors, including local authorities, private and voluntary communities, The Welland SSP is tackling 5 key areas to ensure the local economy flourishes: Business and enterprise - developing new enterprise centres; Enterprising communities - developing village facilities to offer business support; Employment, Learning and Skills - nurturing a culture of enterprise by bringing together local businesses and schools; Innovation - supporting the development of sustainable new technologies for the 21st century, such as bio-mass, hemp supply chain development and innovative use of satellite technology; Tourism & culture - supporting the Hidden England initiative to capitalise the area's historical assets and location. Libby Kinglsey, Strategic Development Manager, who attended the awards on behalf of The Welland SSP, said: "We are delighted with the recognition received at both the UK Enteprising Britain Awards and the European Enterprise Awards. These accolades will allow us to continue to embark on similar enterprise initiatives. We have successfully proves that enterprise can be unleashed in strong communitieis with the right support." Alison Bingham, Enterprise Development Manager at emda, who leads the Enterprising Britain campaign in the East Midlands said: "The Wellands SSP is successfully responding to the challenges that it faces as a rural area, specifically; isolation; low population and high housing costs. There are lots of highly skilled people living in the area, but they commute out for high city wages, taking the life out of towns and villages during the working day. The SSP is committed to being at the forefront of enterprise and innovation through its supports of local entrepreneurs and businesses. This recognition at the European Enterprise Awards rewards our SSP's hard work in successfully overcoming environmental, social and economic hurdles to create sustainable communities. This proves the East Midlands is full of people with enterprising ideas and our aim is to nurture and encourage these skills to ensure we have a Flourishing Region by 2020."
12/12/2006 - Distribution Sector on the Move!
A major regional study, commissioned by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), which examines the future land needs of the Strategic Distribution Sector on the East Midlands has shown that the logistics sector is playing a major role in the region's economy. The study will help inform emda's approach to supporting the sector as well as assisting local authorities and the East Midlands Regional Assembly in developing land use planning policies to accommodate this important and growing economic sector. Key findings include: The logistics sector plays a major role in the economy of the East Midlands, accounting for an estimated 9% of both employment and output - a higher share than in any other English region; The industry's employment in the region since 1998 has grown faster than both total employment in the East Midlands and logistics employment nationally; Most of the current supply of site can be found along the M1 corridor, particularly in Northamptonshire; In order to meet the Regional Feight Strategy Target of 30 additional freight trains per day, 1.64 million sqaure metres or 55% of the forecast new build greater than 25,000 square metres, will need to be locted on rail linked sites; Taking into account the supply of large sites on existing Distribution Centres and at strategic sites in the pipeline, it has been suggested that 308 hectares of additional land at non-rail connected sites will be required to meet forseen logistic requirements over the timescale of the new Draft Regional Spatial Strategy to 2026; The report reccommends a set of critreria for assessing the suitability of sites related to size (at least 50 hectares), rail access, highway access, site configuration, demand from the logistics market, location) and accessibility. Anthony Payne, Director of Spatial and Sustainable Development at emda said: "The transport and logistics sector is dynamic and growing, and we need to accommodate its growth in a sustainable way. The East Midlands is proving attractive to the market because of its geographical advantage, and we need to build on this strength, making sure that as amny of the new sites as possible have rail freight access. We recognise that this will not be possible in every case, but we need to maximise opportunities provided by rail to get as much freight off the roads as possible." Transport and logistics is a strategic priority of the new Regional Economic Strategy, which was launched in July 2006, with the aim of creating a Flourishing region by 2020. The study was carried out by MDS Transmodel, leading consultants in freight transport planning, with support from the planning consultants Roger Tym and Partners, and property specialists Savills.
11/12/2006 - British Touring Cars Championships at Rockingham
Rockingham Revs up for the British Touring Cars Championship: Rockingham is delighted to announce the return of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championships (BTCC) to the Northamptonshire racing circuit next season. The prestigious championship will make a much welcome comeback to the revitalised Rockingham on Sunday April 22nd after almost a four-year absence - a decision which will be popular with BTCC fans. The UK's most popular race series, which was last hosted at Rockingham in 2003, will mark the start of what is set to be an excellent racing calendar. "Welcoming the BTCC back to Rockingham is a huge success for us", enthused Len O'Hagan, Chairman for Rockingham. "This is a highly prestigious championship, supported by a number of top quality races, and its return is an excellent start to the racing year for Rockingham. We have one of the UK's most modern racing venues, which include hi-tech equipment for racing teams and excellent facilities for the fans making for successful events and a great racing atmosphere." A variety of in-field track layouts and the 1.5 mile banked oval circuit means Rockingham can offer a tailored environment for the race meeting and the 52,000 granstand seating offers fans an unrivalled view of the action. The circuit layout to be used by the BTCC will be confirmed at a later date. BTCC Series Director Alan Gow is also delighted the Championship will return to Rockingham. He said: "The unique track layout, up-to-date facilities and terrific viewing areas for the spectators all proved a great hit with the drivers, teams, spectators and sponsors when we raced there in 2003. A rgeat many of our fans have constantly been asking me to take the BTCC back to Rockingham, so this is also for them." The central location of Rockingham also means there will be no disruption for local fans when the race moves from Silverstone next year. Keeping the championship accessible for fans is a priority for BTCC and Rockigham can be accessed within two hours from 75% of the country. Mr Gow addedd: "Rockingham's inclusion also means the BTCC will continue to be in action in eight counties, ensuring that the championship remains as accessible as possible for the public in all four corners of the UK." In addition to the BTCC, Rockingham has recently secured the Lloyds TSB Insurance British F3 International Championship - Europe's most hotly contested racing for the stars of tomorrow - and will host the series finale in September 2007.
06/12/2006 - Town to Move up Shopping League
A new study predicts that Corby will shoot up the town centre rankings when a multi-million pound development programme is finished. The report from the Retail Group says that Corby will rise from 344 to about 200 in the UK's town centre shopping destination list once Land Securities has completed the first phase of its £35m regeneration programme. Analysts concluded that Corby town centre had the potential to expand due to plans to double the population of the town in the next 30 years. Thousands of new homes are set to be built across the borough under the Government's Milton Keynes and South Midlands growth proposals. Development Manager at Land Securities Mark Rymell said: "The ranking is based on a scoring system that takes into account the provision of multiple retailers, including fashion, non-fashion and anchor stores. Department stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets give the highest score, followed by variety stores, clothing, leisure and speciality stores. A rise from 344 will put Corby in the same retail category as such towns as Farnborough and Fareham." The report - commissioned by Land Securities - examined the town's current population and the needs and expectations of its residents and then defined the future potential of the town. Shops in Corby curently take up 382,000 sq ft of space but the Retail Groups predicts that could grow to between 460,000 sq ft and 695,000 sq ft. Kettering has 432,709 sq ft of retail space in the town centre, Land Securities bought the town centre from Tops Estates last year and big names in the UK retail industry such as Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Game could open their doors in the town centre when the new Willow Place shopping cetre is finished in November. Negotiations are described as being at "an advanced stage" by Land Securities. Corby Council Leader Pat Fawcett said: "I think it will be absolutely fantastic. Many people leave Corby to go shopping but soon they won't have to do that. People will spend more money in the town and Corby will become more prosperous."
Source - Northants News
05/12/2006 - Environment Secretary Visits Northamptonshire
Recycling, waste and climate change are the issues that were highlighted when David Miliband, Secretary of State for the Environment, visited Northamptonshire. Mr. Miliband visited Corby town centre where he saw the Parkland Gateway project. The project will help to unlock the town's huge potential and support sustainable growth with the creation of a new civic hub as the focus of the town centre development. The project will create 593 jobs, 237 new homes and attract substantial private sector investment. He then travelled to Northamptonshire Children's Resource Centre in Corby. Mr Miliband met with refuse collectors and residents and discussed the new kerbside recycling scheme. The scheme has been extended to include plastic bottles, garden waste and cardboard. He then visited the centre itself to see its excellent recycling project. The organisation collect suitable scrap materials from businesses and recycles it to be used for creative play by voluntary groups, schools, playgrounds, parents and adults with special needs throughout the county. From Corby, Mr Milibad went on to Sidegate Landfill site in Wellingborough, via Burton Latimer wind farm, a renewable energy site which opened in March 2006. At the landfill site, he saw the environmentally responsible ways in which waste was dealt with, including open window composting and electricity generation using landfill gas. The minister then had lunch with regional stakeholders where he discussed strategic waste issues including joint procurement, energy from waste, construction waste and the challenges that affect a growing county like Northamptonshire. After lunch, Mr Miliband visited the Wrenn School in Wellingborough. Students at the school discussed the Wellingborough Toolkit with the minister. The Toolkit is a Defra funded project which was launched on 4 December, and aims to achieve positive changes in public attitudes to climate change. They then had the opportunity to ask the minister, who was part of a panel of environmental experts also taking questions, about some challenging environmental issues. David Miliband said: "Reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill is something we simply must do if we are to make the best use of our limited resources and stop living beyond our environmental means. It has been fascinating today to see the innovative and imaginative ways in which businesses and individuals are recycling and reusing material which would otherwise be thrown away. From scrap materials being reused as play materials for children, to energy being converted from waste, these creative solutions acknowledge that the days of binning everything and forgetting about it are over, and that meeting this challenge is a responsiblity for us all."
Source - Government Office for the East Midlands
04/12/2006 - Adrenaline Alley Wins BBC Sports Award
A BMX and Skating sports facility for young people in Northamptonshire picked up the emda-sponsored Enterprise in Sport award at the 2006 BBC East Midlands Sports Awards, which took place on Monday 27th November. East Midlands Development Agency (emda) Chief Executive Jeff Moore, presented the award to Mandy Young, founder of Adrenaline Alley in Corby - a facility which has engaged thousands of young people, and provides a safe and positive place where they can meet their friends and stay out of trouble. The BBC East Midlands Sports Award gives recognition for sporting achievements in the East Midlands over the past twleve months. emda is continuing its support for the region's sporting businesses and organisations by sponsoring this Award to highlight the achievements in enterprise and innovation. Adrenaline Alley features a range of skate and BMX ramps and there are plans for other facilities including a cafe and recreation room for a range of other activities including multimedia, music and gigs. To engage young people with art and culture alongside sporting activities, a link was also established with a gallery and local artists, which have resulted in innovative exhibitions at the facility. The project which started in 2003 quickly flourished from a community estate project, into a major venue which is popular with the whole town of Corby and beyond. Adrenaline Alley is in the process of having a unique vertical ramp built to attract world-class riders to the venue. This will help to establish it as a training ground for top UK BMXers competing in the Beijing Olympics. Jeff Moore said: "Sport plays a major role in the region's economic prosperity and the well-being of our communities. In the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games we need to harness the enthusiasm of people in the East Midlands who are enterprising in sport, and this facility for young people in Corby fits the bill. Congratulations to Mandy and her team for all the hard work in developing this very successful project. "The Region's new Economic Strategy - 'A Flourishing Region', published in July highlights harnessing a culture of enterprise as one of the region's priority actions. We want to see more businesses and organisations in the sporting sector think innovatively for the future." The winners of last year's 'Enterprise in Sport' Award were epm:technology, a conpany whose composites are used by several Formula 1 racing teams.
01/12/2006 - County Praised by US Company
An American telecommunications executive has said Northampton is a good location for companies in its sector to set up shop. Jeff Ford, division president of Inter-Tel, which has its European headquarters in Grange Park Business Park, said: "The labour pool (in Northampton) is very good for what we do. It is easier to get to and that has helped in recruiting." He added: "In the Midlands we found more room for growth and ... a better facility for customers coming for businessw as our site." The business communications provider, which has an office in Kettering, moved its sales, marketing and technical support staff to a Northampton office four months ago. The company employs 35 people at its European headquarters, where it has a state-of-the-art showroom to demonstrate its product range to customers. The Roman Way office is also home to a training academy for technicians and end users. Inter-Tel offers a diverse range, including network communications solutions based on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. It counts the Church of England, Windsor Castle and Laura Ashley stores among its customers. Inter-Tel's coporate headquarters are in Arizona.
Source: Northants News