- Overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy.
- Collaborating with local and national stakeholders to promote Northamptonshire’s attractions.
- Enhancing marketing efforts to raise the region’s profile.
- Supporting local businesses in maximizing the benefits of tourism.
- Ensuring sustainable growth of the visitor economy through innovative practices.
First chair appointed to new Northamptonshire visitor partnership
The development of the new Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has taken a major step forward as Richard Clinton, Delapre Abbey’s Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chair of the new LVEP.
The LVEP for Northamptonshire brings together partners from across the sector as well as both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire with the aim to strengthen and build on the area’s visitor economy.
Following a recruitment campaign, candidates were interviewed by a panel including representatives from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council and sector stakeholders with Richard being identified as the most suitable candidate to lead the new partnership through the next phase of its creation, which includes the key next stage of the process – the submission of the LVEP application to Visit England.
This application is due to be submitted imminently with a decision expected in the early part of 2025. If approved and Northamptonshire gains LVEP status, the area would receive national accreditation and a boost to the area’s tourism offer and unlock new opportunities.
Cllr Helen Howell, NNC Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism alongside Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “Richard’s wealth of experience and dedication to promoting the region’s attractions make him the perfect choice to lead this important initiative and we welcome him as Chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
“The LVEP represents an incredible opportunity to highlight Northamptonshire’s unique offerings, from its rich heritage and world-class motorsports to its thriving arts and cultural scene.
“With Richard’s leadership, we’re confident this partnership will strengthen collaboration across the sector, elevate the county’s profile, and attract more visitors, creating lasting benefits for our local businesses and communities.”
Richard has been the Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust since April 2020, where he oversees the strategic direction of the historic 900-year-old Delapré Abbey in Northampton.
Under his leadership, the Trust has aligned heritage, culture, and wellbeing to benefit the community, including plans to restore and repurpose the 19th-century stables into a mixed-use development featuring a community wellbeing space.
Richard is also the Chair of Fermynwoods Contemporary Art – an educational charity that supports life through art by commissioning innovative ways for artists to engage with audiences.
Prior to his role at Delapré Abbey, Richard served as part of the leadership teams for The Culture Trust and Royal & Derngate Theatre. Richard has also been the Vice Chair for Northamptonshire Surprise, supporting its efforts in promoting the heritage, culture, and attractions of Northamptonshire, positioning it as an attractive visitor destination.
Richard will now oversee the creation of the new Northamptonshire LVEP with responsibilities including:
Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC
It’s crucial that Government creates the right conditions for businesses to stay competitive and grow in communities across the UK, according to Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change announcement she said it was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system.
She said: “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business will welcome, with its potential to boost regions and reinvigorate supply chains – but there is still a huge gap between the what and the how and when.
“With a bruising budget forcing many firms to revisit their investment and hiring plans, the pathway to this promised growth needs to accelerate.
“The cost-of-living crisis and the cost of doing business – are two sides of the same coin. They can’t be dealt with in isolation. Boosting private sector investment is fundamental to improving the cost of living.
Green light given for local centre at Wellingborough’s Stanton Cross
Planning permission has been granted for the new local centre within the Stanton Cross development in Wellingborough.
The approved designs for the neighbourhood centre include 37 new apartments. The apartments are designed to be dual-aspect one- and two-bedroom units. Additional amenities in the development include 8 retail spaces, office facilities, a convenience store, a nursery and a gym.
Developed by GSSArchitecture in collaboration with Vistry Group, the Stanton Cross local centre will be an integral part of the community, sat at the heart of the project. It reflects a commitment to integrating contemporary design with the area’s unique heritage.
The architecture draws inspiration from the nearby railway infrastructure, including the iconic, locally listed Roundhouse building, grounding the modern development within its historical and geographical context.
Stanton Cross is a mixed-use development in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, set to regenerate the area by developing approximately 339 hectares of green and brownfield land. Once completed it will feature 3,650 homes along with retail, leisure and commercial spaces.
The project will also involve extensive infrastructure upgrades, taking advantage of its close relationship to the railway station and links to the town centre to improve access to local and regional transportation.
The initiative represents a significant investment in Northamptonshire’s infrastructure and economy and aligns with plans to create sustainable urban extensions and mitigate flood risks.
Tom Jagger, Senior Partner and Project Lead from GSSArchitecture, said: “Securing planning permission for this project is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.
“It represents an opportunity to design a community hub that balances sustainability with the needs of future residents. We look forward to seeing how it contributes positively to the local area.”
Dave Bullock, Director (Stanton Cross Developments Ltd) at Riverside, said: “This marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive space at Stanton Cross, where our residents can come together, connect with one another and thrive as a community.
“Working closely with a specialist commercial developer, we’re excited to see the hub come to life – not only to serve the needs of the community, but also to enhance the local area for residents.”
Nottinghamshire County Council elects new leader
Councillor Sam Smith has been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
He was officially confirmed following a vote at Full Council at County Hall.
Cllr Smith, who represents Newark East and was previously Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, replaces Cllr Ben Bradley who has stepped down for family and personal reasons.
The new leader said he is honoured and privileged to be elected and has spoken about his priorities for Nottinghamshire residents.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and I am looking forward to working tirelessly to deliver on key priorities for people across the county.”
Cllr Smith highlighted the county council’s ‘great’ record of delivering services and spoke of the ‘challenging’ outlook facing all local authorities.
He said: “One of my first priorities will be balancing the budget in February 2025 and we have an excellent record in delivering well-run, efficient services while keeping Council Tax low.
“I am proud that we are one of a few local authorities that have not closed a single library, maintained a thriving youth service and have expanded rural bus services with our Nottsbus OnDemand.
“We have invested more than £100 million in our capital programme and have ploughed millions of pounds into improving our roads, as well as delivering on our commitment to build schools and improve the standards of education across the county.”
In his previous role as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Cllr Smith said he would remain focussed on his commitment to hit the government’s 50 per cent target of Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) timescale by the end of the academic year. He stressed that as leader he would continue to lobby the government on SEND issues.
Cllr Smith will announce his successor as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND in the coming days.
The new leader will also be a loud voice for a fair Local Government Settlement, due to be announced on 23 December, through his work with the County Councils Network, Local Government Association and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Cllr Smith said: “As a board member on EMCCA, I will be banging the drum for Nottinghamshire on transport, infrastructure, skills and investment funding for and I look forward to working closer with the Mayor in these key areas.
“There are projects like STEP Fusion in Bassetlaw, which will provide thousands of highly skilled jobs for Nottinghamshire residents, including hundreds of apprenticeships for young people.
“Key infrastructure projects require the backing of the Mayor and our local MPs and I will be knocking on their doors regularly to fly the flag for funding across Nottinghamshire.
“For me it’s about delivery, delivery, delivery for Nottinghamshire residents as part of our ongoing drive to make our county a great place to live, work and visit.
“I hope I can maintain our proud record on the building and maintenance of schools, transport improvements, maintaining our library network and our fantastic youth service.”
Cllr Smith thanked his predecessor Cllr Ben Bradley for his three-and-a-half years as leader, saying he hopes to build on his legacy.
East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Business Advisory Board meets for first time
Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been appointed to the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Business Advisory Board.
Following an extensive recruitment process, 11 business representatives have been recruited to the board, and they met yesterday for the inaugural meeting of the Business Advisory Board, which took place at Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire.
The Business Advisory Board, chaired by David Williams, Chairman of Geldards and EMCCA’s Associate Member for Business, will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the EMCCA Board.
The purpose of the Board is to strengthen the connection between EMCCA and local businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses, large and small, is harnessed when making decisions on the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net zero.
At the inaugural meeting, members were provided with an overview of EMCCA’s recently launched Inclusive Growth Commission and discussed how the Business Advisory Board will inform its work. The advisory board members also discussed the current investment strategy and pipeline of development currently underway in the region, providing their input and feedback to the plans outlined.
Members of the Business Advisory Board are:
David Williams, Chair and EMCCA Associate Member for Business
Private Sector Representation:
Helen Bailey, Vice-Chair of the Institute of Quarrying
Andy Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group
Ian Cuddington, Economic Development Director, Rolls-Royce
Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire
Malcolm Hall, Founder and Managing Director, Hall-Fast
Paul Harris, Chief Executive, Cheesecake Energy
Natasha Johnson, owner, Global Entrepreneurs UK
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber
Shaun Lunn, Director, Atkins Realis
Becky Rix, Marketing Director, Roadgas
Nora Senior, Chair, East Midlands Freeport
EMCCA Representation:
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward
Councillor Neghat Khan, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for investment
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for Skills and Employment
David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I was delighted to welcome members of the Business Advisory Board to our inaugural meeting earlier today. We had an excellent discussion and heard great contributions from our members, who provide good representation from across our region in terms of sectors, geography, and small, medium and large businesses.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Business Advisory Board is an important part of our collaboration with our local businesses and I look forward to hearing the views of board members going forward as we progress our work on the Inclusive Growth Commission, and our investment pipeline for our region.”
Free business support to improve energy efficiency in the East Midlands
Businesses in qualifying areas of the East Midlands are being encouraged to take advantage of the fully funded business support on offer from the Accelerator project to help them improve energy efficiency and save costs.
To date, nearly 1,200 businesses have attended the project’s energy efficiency and carbon reduction events and training courses, with 146 accessing the Premises Energy Audit consultancy service and 132 developing decarbonisation plans.
The project, delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of participating local authorities, is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It offers businesses:
- Premises Energy audits designed to help identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs. Audits typically involve a one-to-three-day site visit (depending on the size or complexity of the business) to review energy usage assets and gas/electric consumption pattern (as well as fuel consumption for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles). Findings are collated into an energy savings report which not only helps reduce energy wastage but is useful supporting evidence for grant applications.
- £2,000 Growth vouchers towards the cost of specialist consultancy or bespoke training supporting the adoption of energy efficient practices that lead towards the development or implementation of a decarbonisation plan.
- Training, both in-person and online, to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality, including the one-day certified course on Carbon Literacy taking place on Tuesday, 21st January.
- Energy reduction workshops at Toyota Motor Manufacturing offering practical demonstration and shop floor observations with Toyota’s energy specialists, the next of which takes place on Thursday, 13th February.
- Access to online sustainability platform Zellar to help showcase the real-time environmental impact of activities and to produce a decarbonisation plan.
Aggregate Industries’ dome silo is inflated for the first time
An inflatable dome silo commissioned by Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has been inflated at the heart of a multi-million-pound cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility on Tilbury Docks.
The 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK, built using innovative construction methods and materials.
It is designed to store up to 30,000 tonnes of cement to support local demand for building materials, to be used across an array of construction projects in the region. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads.
In line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, the new facility demonstrates Aggregate Industries ongoing commitment to be a leader in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions.
During construction, more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete from the existing site has already been recycled and reused, and over 10,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt planings have been incorporated into new asphalt products. Aggregate Industries is also incorporating lower carbon materials throughout every aspect of construction; including use of the firm’s own green-building solution, ECOPact readymix.
Local stakeholders and businesses are already seeing potential economic benefits, as the project is expected to stimulate demand for trades and materials in the region. More than 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme, with a further 30 full time permanent positions generated once the site is operational.
Mather Jamie appoints Rural Estates Assistant
Loughborough-based land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has appointed Joanne Brown as Rural Estates Assistant.
Joanne brings experience in rural estate operations, along with a strong commitment to delivering quality service and support to Mather Jamie’s rural estates team.
She brings four years of experience managing the estate office at Melbourne Hall Estate. Her background also spans account management and sales executive roles with the logistics sector, where she refined her skills in client relations and organisation.
After taking time out to focus on her family, Joanne returned to Melbourne Hall Estate and developed a strong foundation in rural estate operations.
In her new role, Joanne will be assisting with residential and agricultural lettings, tenancy management, property repairs and maintenance, inspections and viewings.
Commenting on her appointment, Amy Biddell, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “Joanne’s hands-on experience in estate management and her approachable nature make her an ideal fit for Mather Jamie’s Rural Estates Team, where she will contribute to supporting clients and enhancing tenant relations.”
Adding, Joanne said: “In my previous role, I had dealings with Mather Jamie and saw them as a company with a great work ethic and fantastic staff. I’m excited to join a team that values professionalism and provides an opportunity for growth.”
Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters
Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based hot tubs and wellness products firm, has established its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.
This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, creating 35 new jobs and strengthening its commitment to serving partners and customers across the United States.
Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories.
Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community.
“Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.”
Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners.
“Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.”
Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright welcomed the company, stating: “Superior Wellness’ decision to bring their U.S. headquarters to Orangeburg County underscores the incredible momentum we’re seeing in our region.
“Their £8.9 million investment will create 35 good-paying jobs, benefiting local families and contributing to our community’s economic growth. We warmly welcome Superior Wellness and look forward to supporting their success.”
FPA Consulting appoints new Business Administrator
Derby-based independent management consultancy FPA Consulting has appointed Lily Ormsby as Business Administrator.
With a background in planning and technical administration at XEIAD, owned by British Engineering Services (BES Group), Lily brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.
Lily has a wide ranging role which includes supporting FPA’s consultants, it’s accounts team, facilitating external Client training together with general day-to-day administration duties.
Commenting on her decision to join FPA, Lily said: “I really wanted to join a company that would allow me to progress professionally in a considerate environment. FPA is filled with opportunities for me to learn and grow. The team have been incredibly welcoming and I’m excited to now be a part of the company.”
Outside of work, Lily is passionate about health and fitness, loves traveling, walking her dog, and indulging in interior design as a personal interest.
John Barke, Managing Director at FPA Consulting, added: “We are pleased to have Lily join our team at FPA Consulting. Her proactive approach and dedication to personal and professional growth align perfectly with our values.”
