June 2007
28/06/2007 - Networking Event for Contact Centre Leaders
Contact Centre managers will meet at a business breakfast next month at the University of Northampton's first networking event for the industry. The University's new management qualification for Contact Centre team leaders and managers, Certificate in Management Studies, has already attracted several local companies whi have reported a positive impact on their operations as far as efficiency and customer care is concerned. Staff from the world-leading beauty products company Avon and Northamptonshire Councty Council have been among the students working towards the Certificate in Management Studies specifically tailored for the Contact Centre industry. The second group of students now in training will complete their qualification in July and a third will finish in September, also the time when a new programme will start for the new academic year. "When we launched the management development programme, everyone who attended the launch said how beneficial it had been to get together with other Contact Centre personnel and talk about the unique nature of their industry. So we decided to provide a forum for those in the industry to network with each other in response to this need," said Tracy Forskitt, Business Development Executive for Northampton Business School and Sunley Management Centre. The first event will be held at Sunley Management Centre at the University on Thursday July 5th, from 7.30am until 9am and costs £9.95, including full breakfast. Organisers are encouraging people woking in the industry at all levels to come along, as it is anticipated that networking events of the future will include a wider range of staff. The Certificate in Management Studies course leader Dorothy Foote, Division Leader for Human Resources Management and Organisational Development at Northampton Business School, will help lead the workshop-based networking event that aims to find 'A Vision for the Future'. Company staff who are unable to attend the event can sign up to receive a cutting edge report that will be of interest to anyone inthe industry - An exploreation of managerial issues in call centres, or Call centres: battery farming or free range? The University of Northampton is the only institution in the region to provide a course on Contact Centre management. Senior Co-ordinator of Avon's sales leadership support team, Annette Marchant, gained a real management edge as a result of her attendance on the programme. "From a personal perspective, I found I could quickly relate to certain areas of the course because of my personal experiences but I also became absorbed in the other modules," said Annette. "I found that I genuinely enjoyed the idea of developing my own skills so that I would work to help Avon reach their strategic goals where previously I had not been invovled. Now, I can work with our agent teams much more effectively. They learn from me because I am able to shar corporate goals and objectives in a language that they understand. Being able to speak persuasively and to communicate at different levels is helping me to become a better manager within the Contact Centre." Avon soon saw a number of important initiatives originating from the Contact Centre. Annette beleives that she became better equipped to develop structured projects and gained confidence and business acumen to communicate those ideas effectively to senior management. More information on the networking event for the Contact Centre industry is available from Sam Evans on 01604 719531 or email: samantha.evans@northampton.ac.uk
25/06/2007 - Green Light for Corby Train Station
The residents and businesses of Corby are now celebrating following Friday's announcement by the Department for Transport that Corby, Northamptonshire, is to be included in the new East Midlands rail franchise. The decision paves the way for the contruction of a new train station in Corby and the operation of a direct hourly service to London St Pancras. It also means the residents and businesses of Corby will have direct access to a passenger rail service for the first time since June 1990, ending the town's unbelievable claim to being the largest settlement in the EU without such a service. The new franchise will begin in November 2007 and combines the existing Midlands Mainline franchise and the East Midlands regional services. Following today's announcement, the Urban Regeneration Company (URC) North Northants Development Company will continue to co-ordinate the delivery of the new station ahead of an anticipated opening in December 2008. It expects to submit a planning application for the new building in the next few weeks. Today's announcement represents a landmark in the regeneration of the former steel town of Corby, which began in 2003 with the launch of its ambitious Regeneration Framework by the URC Catalyst Corby. It will provide addes impetus for burgeoning residential development and the trasnformation of town centre shopping and civic facilities, already well underway in the borough. The new train station, which is to be built at Station Road adjacent to the site of the old station, will not only be the focus of a new integrated transport network for Corby, but also unlock an estimated £200m of further commercial investment in the area, creating more than 1,200 retail and office jobs. A new, high-quality business zone incorporating town centre living is earmarked for land surrounding the station itself. The announcement is also a huge boost for Corby's current 'More in Corby' marketing campaign (www.moreincorby.com) which has already attracted housebuyers from London and other parts of the country to the borough. The new service will mean that Corby is only one hour from St Pancras International, and 3.5 hours from Paris when the new Eurostar service commences on 14 November 2007. The decision follows years of campaigning by Corby's residents, businesses, the MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire Phil Hope, Corby Borough Council, North Northants Development Company, Catalyst Corby and local media to give Corby not simply access to a passenger rail service but a place on the national rail network. Commenting on the announcement, Bob Lane, Chief Executive of NNDC, said: "This is fantastic news for everyone who lives and works in Corby today and tomorrow. The station will ensure Corby is a destination in its own right and will drive the town's future vitality as well as the viability of a new commercial investment. To deliver this key objective of the Regeneration Framework is an outstanding achievement and I would like to thank everyone who has backed the Corby rail campaign." Phil Hope MP said: "Corby's future success and prosperity is guaranteed thanks to this government giving its backing to a new rail station and a direct regular Corby - London rail service. This is the best possivle news for the people and business communities of Corby who are seeing successful and sustainable growth and regeneration all round. I have campaigned for ten years for this moment and I want to thank the 10,000 people who signed my petition, Corby Borough Council, local companies and the ET for bakcing the campaign."
21/06/2007 - University Bids for Business Start up Success
The University of Northampton has made a successful bid to run a three year project aimed at delivering new business start-up activity for budding entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire. The University's Northampton Business School (NBS) will lead a partnership of five organisations to deliver the 'Regional Business Link Business Start Up Service' in Northamptonshire. This means that the University of Northampton and its partners are now the preferred suppliers of government funded business support for start up and new businesses in the county. NBS' Wray Irwin commented: "New businesses that receive professional advice massively increase their chances of growth and survival. It is vital for Northamptonshire to encourage entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds to think about running their own business. This service will support new businesses, not only at their outset, but also as they prosper and grow." All individuals within Northamptonshire looking to explore the option of self employment now have the opportunity of accessing the 'Regional Business Link Start Up Service'. This includes a comprehensive package of business start up training supported by up to 7.5 hours of dedicated business adviser time, guiding clients through the development of their business ideas. In addition, for all new businesses within their first year of trading, a business mentor will be provided to offer practical help during those often difficult first 12 months. All of these services are provided free of charge to the client through the funding provided by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). John O'Reilly, Business Support Director as emda, added: "Flourishing regions have high levels of new business creation attracting enterprising people to work in them. Getting more individuals to start their own centures is high on the list of priorities set out in our Regional Economic Strategy (RES). Evidence suggests that new businesses which seek external professional advice increase their chances of growth and survival. We are making sure the support is there through Business Link, not just to get started, but also to grow and prosper." For further details please contact Wray Irwin on 01604 893473, email: wray.irwin@northampton.ac.uk. To access the services on offer please call 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslinkem.com.
21/06/2007 - £5m Fund to Regenerate Region's Waterways
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is to breathe new life into the region's waterways by launching a Waterway Regeneration Fund. The funding period is expected to last for three years and grants will be available up to the value of £500,000 to help encourage waterway regeneration schemes. Research, commissioned by emda, into the impact and importance of waterways across the East Midlands, found that inland waterways projects can significantly benefit an area's economy. The study into inland waterways, which was carried out by Ecotec Consulting on behalf of emda, found major regeneration benefits are associated with waterway developments, such as: Employment impacts - creation of new job opportunities in the short term from the contruction during the regeneration and in the long term from new businesses created; Property impacts - regenerated areas along waterways stimulate commercial and residential markets; Environmental impacts - improving waterway environment by bringing forward previously vacant and underused sites which generates improved quality of life, tourism and green transport options. Previous waterway schemes have helped many urban and rural locations across the region turn themselves from areas characteristic of dereliction and decay into places where businesses actively want to be located and people want to live. Examples of large waterside projects in the East Midlands include a 100 acre £1.4 billion investment in Nottingham's riverside, an 18km waterfront regeneration scheme in Leicester which will create over 3,000 new homes and Derby's riverside project that will include a high quality hotel, office and residential development. The Invitation to Apply for Grant Funding (IAGF) from emda aims to deliver long term regeneration benefits for the East Midlands for schemes located near waterways. The criteria for funding must fall under one of five schemes: Waterways destination projects - which relate to tourism where restoration will lead to increased use of the waterway and its surroundings; Restoration projects - which remediate redundant or underused buildings next to waterways for employment or commercial use; Land remediation projects - the preparation of land next to water in order to open it up for employment uses; Large scale project development - work required to help unlock potential of large scale waterway projects; Waterway transport schemes - develop an alternative transport route or mode based around one of the region's inland waterway corridors to help sustain economic competitiveness of green water transport. Anthony Payne, Land and Development Manager at emda, said: "Waterways present a unique opportunity to improve the environment and regenerate run down areas - transforming them into successful, flourishing places which attract our communities and unlock the value of the sites. Some of the most successful and innovative regeneration projects in the UK are focused on waterfronts and the benefits that stem from physical developments along locations including rivers, canal, marinas or docks are well proven. The impact of waterway regeneration stretches beyond the immediate environmental impacts of the waterside and often stimulates wider economic and social benefits on a wide scale. This funding opportunity will help towards achieving the vision for the East Midlands to become a flourishing region by 202 as stated in the Regional Economic Strategy. The Waterway Regeneration Fund will open for expressions of interest from 12th June to 31st July 2007 for the first year. Any organisation interested in applying, or who would like more information, should contact Georgina Walters McLeod at emda on 0115 9888 484 or visit www.emda.org.uk/waterwayfund
19/06/2007 - Northants has High-Speed Innovation Licked
On 3rd July Northamptonshire will show that it lives in the fast lane rather than just off the M1. That's when the hi-tech fast paced world of F1 racing meets the more sedentary pursuit of stamp collecting in an unusual and innovative way. The cream of world motorsport will be gathered at Silverstone for the big race on Sunday 8th. On 3rd July Royal Mail launches its new Grand Prix stamp issue. A co-incidence that lead Northamptonshire's Ambassadors to dream up the idea for showing why the county is at the heart of the UK's motorsport industry. The Ambassadors are a group of influential local business people with a passion for the county. Onle recently brought together through Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd, they share a commitment towards promoting their home county however they can. When they discovered that Royal Mail was about to issue the stamps and that one of their members ran a first day cover publishing business, the idea was born for a rather special event. As well as having the only Grade 1 motorsport venue in the UK Northamptonshire hosts more international motor racing events than any other. From F1 Grand Prix to dragsters it has them all covered. It also has 850 companies leading the way in technological innovation and the first dedicated motorsport innovation centre linked to a world-class race circuit. And for good measure it has places where you can drive anything from a Ferrari to a tank. From the first British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1948 to when all eyes will be on a British driver being powered to victory by a locally built engine, Northamptonshire has led the way in motorsport innovation. So at the new £45 million Silverstone Innovation Centre it will launch Royal Mail's Grand Prix stamps on a limited edition first day cover by artist Clare Pollitt to a select motorsport audience. Media enquiries: Terry Mitchell 07850 068674 Email: terry@ltmp.co.uk Event Bookings & Enquiries: Julia Watson 01604 621155 Email: bookings@w17ltd.co.uk
19/06/2007 - Royal Honour for Two County Firms
Two county businesses have been given the Royal seal of approval after being honoured with Queen's Awards. Engine manufacturer Cummins, based in Daventry. and hi-tech helicopter firm Enterprise Control Systems at Wappenham, near Towcester, were named as award winners in the list published on the Queen's birthday on Saturday April 21st. Cummins, which make high horsepowert diesel and gas engines, is no stranger to the award, having won on five previous occasions in 1979, 1981, 1984, 1995 & 2002. The company has won the International Trade Award thanks to a significant increase in export sales over the last three years. Overseas sales have more than doubled and more than 70 per cent of the firm's products are sold abroad. It is the first time plant manager Peter Glover has accepted the award on behalf of the company which he joined in 2003. He said: "With the competition getting tougher all the time, winning this year is even better than before. What is good about this award is that it recognises the contributions made by the whole workforce." He said the plant, which has 854 employees, is the only site in the worl to make exceptionally large diesel engines. The largest, at 91 litres, puts the average two-litre car engine in the shade with its 3,500 brake horsepower. Mr Glover said: "The engines are used mainly in eash-moving equipment or as stand by power generators. Our work is a continual process of improvement and we are continually looking to increase our capacity." Enterprise Control Systems has received the Queen's Award for Innovation in recognition of the company's work in highly specialised encrypted digital video transmission systems. The company, set up by Colin Bullock almost 20 years ago, employs 45 staff and supplies equipment used in the East Midlands Air Support Helicopters, covering Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire, as well as those int he West Midlands and police forces across the country. Mr Bullock, who is proud to head one of the few privately-owned British companies still involved in the defence industry, said: "As a local company, very much a part of the community, we are extremely proud to have received this award. It is a tribute to the commitment of our team. All our products are designed in-house. One of the key things for our clients is our ability to react quickly to their changing needs and develop equipment that best suits their requirements, rather than them having to deal with multi-nationals. "We are experts in video downlinks for police and military helicopters, and the Queen's Award acknowledges our latest generation of encrypted digital equipment for air-to-ground video." Source: Northampton Chronicle and Echo
18/06/2007 - Graduate Fashion Show Wows Audience
The University of Northampton's annual Fashion Show held at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in the town thrilled audiences last night (June 14) with a stunning display of 24 collections by final and second year fashion students. Showcase catwalk displays included 'Second Skin' catsuits by Lindsay Pinder, along with futuristic designs able to trasform into their own display units by Stephanie Tsang, as well as Ibizan inspired wear by Naomi Facer. A homage to pirates by Natasha Carter also had guests cheering in the aisles. Another show stopping moment came courtesy of designs by Tanveer Ahmed, who's innovative and fresh take on Hijab referenced styles resulted in sustained and rapturous applause from the audience of approximately 2,000. The 2007 show's success was also marked by headline sponsor support from international hair professional Schwarzkopf and Northampton-based hair specialist Hensmans (formerly known as Changes). Fashion graduates from The University of Northampton have previously gone on to work for such high profile names as Alexander McQueen, River Island, Zandra Rhodes, Topshop, Per Una and Harrods. The University's students also did exceptionally well at this year's London Graduate Fashion Week with Lindsay Pinder scooping The Society of Dyers and Colourists Textiles Colour in Design Award and Sabiha Aliomohammed being scouted by River Islands for her work on accessories. Sabrina Stanley was also highly commended by Stuart Vevers from Mulberry at the Graduate Fashion Week Gala Awards for her innovative footwear. Graduate Fashion Show 2007 director and senior lecturer in fashion and textiled at the University, Jane Mills, commented: "We are thrilled with the dedication of our students, who have once again demonstrated that Northampton is at the centre of a hub of exciting creativity worthy of international attention. As well as our headline sponsors Schwarzkopf and Hensmans I would also like to thank our Silver Sponsors - Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd amd GSS Architects - without these partners the freat success of this year's show would not have been possible."
05/06/2007 - Honda Charity Open Day Tickets Announced
The Honda Racing F1 Team is pleased to announce that tickets for its Charity Open Day on Sunday 15 July will be on sale from Tuesday 5th June. The team will be opening the doors of its Brackley headquarters to 5000 lucky members of the public to raise money for its two team charities - Helen & Douglas House* based in Oxford and Stepping Stones Pre-School** in Brackley. The Honda Racing F1 Team's Jenson Button, Christian Klien and Mike Conway will be in attendance, along with Super Aguri F1 Team race driver and former Honda test driver Anthony Davidson. Star guest for the day is the legendary Murray Walker, renoened F1 commentator and the Honda Racing F1 Team Ambassador for the past two seasons. A whole range of exciting activities are lined up including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look around the factory, pit-stop demonstrations, F1 simulators plus special activities for children including electric racing cars, a huge sca;extrc set, face painting and competitions. Murray Walker will be hosting Q&As with the drivers, eith live music also on the main stage throughout the day. Team partners Laverstoke Park, one of the UK's leading organic farms, will be on-site throughout the day providing the same organic farm produce as enjoyed by the Honda F1 Team at all the European Grand Prix circuits. Tickets will be available to purchase online from www.HondaRacingF1.com on 05 June 2007. *Helen & Douglas House based in Oxford provides respite and end of life care for children and yong adults with life shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for their families. The charity aims to add "life to years" through respite care in attractive and fun surroundings, treatment of distressing symptoms, end of life care, family support and education. It costs just under £4million per annum to run Helen & Douglas House, the vast majority of which comes from voluntary sources. www.helenanddouglas.org.uk **Stepping Stones Pre-School is a non-profit making charity which has an outstanding reputation for providing educational pre-school and playgroup childcare in Brackley since 1969. By 2007, Stepping Stones aims to be relocated to a new purpose-built, friendly and caring environment, from where it will offer extended childcare and education throughout the day to children aged from two and a half to eleven from Brackley and the surrounding area. www.steppingstonespreschool.org.uk
01/06/2007 - Snap-On Tool: British Franchisor of the Year 2007
Snap-On Tools
British Franchisor of the Year 2007
Snap-On Tools has won the coveted titled of Franchsior of the Year at the prestigious British Franchise Awards in London. Snap-On Tools beat eight other top-flight finalists to win the gold title at bfa's gala luncheon at the Savoy Hotel on Thursday 24th May. The Awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, honour the franchise sector's annual £10 billion contribution to the UK economy. In accepting the Franchisor of the Year award, Snap-On Tools Managing Director Terry Barcham said: "This award is a tribute to our franchisee network and the dedicated efforts of all our sales management and 'back-office' employees who have helped to make Snap-On Tools such a success. "We've been a franchisor in the UK for 42 years now and we've seen a continuous imrpovement each year in all parts of our company. 2006 was a record year for us and we're already on target to beat that this year." The Kettering-based company has rapidly expanded its products and services to keep pace with demand from the vehicle maintenance and repair sector for premier quality tools and sophsticated diagnostic equipment as vehicles become increasingly complex. A year ago, Snap-On Tools invested heavily in a new training programme - TechEd - for customers as well as franchisees. Snap-On builds on this winning formula with high-profile sponsorship of Honda F1 Racing, Subaru World Rally, Respol Honda MotoGP, and Honda British Superbikes. Terry Barcham says: "We are clear leaders in a fiercely competitive market because we listen to our customers and franchisees - and that helps us stay ahead in a constantly evolving business."