MAY 2006

31/05/2006 - World's Largest Internet Franchise Opens in Northamptonshire

May 2006 saw the launch of a new connection to the Internet industry in Daventry, Northamptonshire, as Toronto-based WSI unveiled their new Internet Consultancy office, serving the East Midlands area. Currently rated as the Number 1 Internet Services Business in the World, and 4th fastest growing International Franchise, WSI's systems are utilised by over 1500 Internet and Marketing Consultants in over 87 countries worldwide, delivering e-business solutions to thousands of small and medium sized businesses every year. The new office, based in Whilton, Daventry, will be headed by Marcus Roskill and supply its specialised internet business strategies and services to companies across the region.

26/05/2006 - Award Boosts College Status 

Northampton College is celebrating after being awarded the title of Centre of Vocational Excellence in Logistics (CoVE). Awarded by the Learning and Skills Council, the title recognises the role of the college as a first-class training and development provider for the logsitics industry. As part of the development of Northampton College, the current training and conference facility at the Daventry site will be transformed to give firms access to logistics training in management, administration and customer service. Principal Len Cross spoke to Northampton Today: "We are delighted to be awarded interim status and pleased to be siting the new centre in Daventry as part of the college's continuing commitment to develop provision in the town and mindful of its strong logistics industry".

18/05/2006 - Queens Award for Daventry Manufacturing Firm 

An innovative manufacturer of roof lighting and other building materials has been presented with the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation. Hambleside Danelaw Ltd, situated on the Royal Oak Industrial Estate in Daventry were awarded the prize in recognition of its energy-efficient range of materials. The Insulator range of commercial and industrial roof lights use advanced technology to incorporate natural lighting in to a workspace as much as possible, which in turn limits the amount of heat lost from premises and proves more cost effective and energy-efficient to businesses. It is hoped by the company that the award will boost awareness amongst buildiers, designers and architects of the positive impact energy efficiency and sustainability can provide through utilising insulated materials. Chris Avery, managing director of Hambleside Danelaw, spoke to Daventry Today about the award: "I want to thank all of the staff at Hambleside Danelaw who have created an environment where innovation can flourish. They have all played a part in winning this prestigious award. Our job now is to persuade more architects and builders that the incorporation of energy-efficient materials into building specifications is cost-efficient as well as making a difference to the environment and reducing the building occupier's ongoing operating costs".

18/05/2006 - Expansion of Daventry Industrial Site Planned 

Developers have announced new plans to further expand one of Daventry's largest industrial estates. The Apex Park scheme would see massive expansion maesuring 12 hectares at the Drayton Fields Industrial area, in what will be its third phase of development. ProLogis, the company behind the plans, will be holding public exhibition of the proposals in June, detailing what would amount to a £40 million investment in the site with a view to submitting a planning application in July. Newsletters informing local stakeholders, residents and businesses have already been circulated, providing an opportunity for local people to have their say on the issue. It is hoped the expansion will create another 500 jobs for the area, requiring a range of skills from management to warehouse operation. 

17/05/2006 - New Warehouse Brings Jobs Hopes to County 

A new warehouse development was opened earlier this week, attracting big name stars to the ceremony. World Cup winner Jack Charlton was the guest of honor, cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of ProLogis Park. It is hoped the site, just outside Wellingborough, will create 1,000 jobs for the area. Situated off the A45, ProLogis Park is the first stage of massive redevelopment work in the region and comprises over one million square feet of warehouse space. Vice president of development at ProLogis Kate Bedson spoke to Northampton Today about the new site: "It will benefit the economy in Wellingborough and it will put the town on the map. It is a fantastic location and will employ people with a wide range of skills". Burbage Realty, the agent responsible for letting the warehouses, was at the launch along with over 100 representatives of prospective tenants.

05/05/2006 - Northampton Casino set for 2007 Opening

Over £5 million has already been spent on the latest casino to locate in Northampton, with more plans for development ahead. Situated in Commercial Street in the town centre, it is the latest venture of international business tycoon Sol Kerzner.
Due to open in 2007, the casino is the first venture into the British gaming scene vy Kerzner International, following on from multi-million pound developments in other regions around the world, including sites in such exotic locations as the Bahamas, America and South Africa.
Tobin Prior, head if Kerzner International's operations in the UK, spoke to Northampton Today about the move, highlighting the advantages such a venue would bring to the town: "When we were looking at the UK and planning what we could do, we saw that Northampton would be a good market... It's going to be a very upmarket place".
The four storey casino building has undergone massive demolition and construction since work began at the site. Designed to resemble the former brewery and auction house that once occupied the site, the new casino will be the company's 'toe in the water' with regard to the UK. Under current UK legislation, so-called Vegas-style 'super casinos' are still prohibited. Speaking about the legislation, Mr Prior added "By our standards this is not large, although it is a very nice building... Until the legislation allows it, our only opportunity is to do something like this."
The new casino will become the third in the town, following two Gala-owned casinos at Sol Central and Regent Square.

05/05/2006 - New Aerobatics Team Launch at Sywell Aerodrome

Sywell yesterday witnessed a breathtaking display of stunts as new aerobatics team The Blades launched in the county. Former Red Arrows and a Belgian aerobatics champion make up the team, along with four cutting-edge planes worth £1.2 million, and have chosen the Northamptonshire airfield as their base.
The new planes mean The Blades are capable of reaching up to 10G - 10 time less or more that the force of gravity - which enables tighter movement in the sky and closer proximity to the crowds below.
Already standing out from other outfits around the UK, The Blades will further add to their appeal by becoming the first aerobatics team in the country offering to take passengers along for the ride, albeit a less stomach-churning experience than the tricks used for displays.
2Excel Aviation, the firm behind The Blades, was at the event. Speaking to Northampton Today, Chris Norton, the operations director and former RAF Harrier Flight Commander commented: "Northamptonshire is right in the middle of the country and Sywell is a beautiful airfield... It has character and, from our perspective, it has good psace. We can go ten miles around the clock, in any direction, so we can minimise the noise to the local environment".
The Blades begin their official display works next month, performing at the Queen's official 80th birthday celebrations at Balmoral.

04/05/2006 - Northamptonshire Aerodrome Receives £1.5 million

Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire was celebrating yesterday with the launch of improved improved facilities, courtesy of a £1.5 million investment. It is hoped the transformation will raise its national profile, and allow for more flights and visitors to the site.
The new design of the airfiled aims to inspire memories from the 1930's, complete with new clubhouse and pilots mess.
Michael Bletsoe-Brown, Managing Director at the aerodrome, spoke to Northampton Today at the launch event: "It's been going down really well with visitors. I think people can notice the difference here".
Sywell currently hosts approximately 300 business flights each year, but is the only aerodrome in the county with all-grass runways. The proposed development of the airfield to incorporate a concrete runway has encountered stiff opposition from local residents. A public inquiry will take place later this year to examine the feasibility of such a scheme.

04/05/2006 - University Launch New Innovation Centre

The University of Northampton today offically opened its new 'Portfoli Innovation Centre' at a ceremony with students, staff and representatives of the Regional Development Agency, Local Councils, The Arts Council and investment networks.
According to the University website, the Portfolio Centre is a new innitiative aimed at providing "first class business support and premises to creative entrepreneurs".
Innovation Centre manager Wendy Nikolaidis commented that: "providing this facility at the site of one of the country's leading Arts teaching centres gives local businesses an excellent starting points. The Innovation Centre is ideally suited for start-up and early stage creative businesses, offering access across the University to creative facilities, equipment and know-how".
Thanks to funding from the Arts Council England, the Portfolio Centre is able to offer creative companies their year-long programme. The centre provides affordable and flexible high quality office/studio accommodation to businesses in their first three years, and a stimulating, thriving environment in which to grow your business.
Frank Burdett, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton commented: "As a University we understand the importance of sharing good practice and providing this facility on the site of one of the country's leading Arts teaching, research and knowledge transfer centres gives local businesses an excellent starting point"