A new tourism strategy for Northamptonshire has been given the go ahead by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) at their Cabinet and Executive meetings this month. The Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy sets out a vision and approach to nurturing and enhancing the county’s visitor economy and aims to improve pride in place, generate inward investment and create new employment opportunities as well as reduce carbon emissions in line with both councils’ sustainability goals. The strategy, which has been developed over an 18-month period and co-produced by WNC and NNC alongside partners and stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors, will be implemented between now and 2030 focussing on 4 key themes: Visits and Value, Great People, Better Business and Inspirational Places. Plans also include the exploration of a new private sector-led Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) which will work with national tourism agency Visit England to oversee and drive the delivery of the strategy while playing a crucial role in promoting and marketing specific destinations to attract tourists. The LVEP will also be responsible for identifying and bidding for Government funding streams. Similarly to Visit England, which focuses on showcasing the diverse attractions, cultural heritage, and experiences offered by different regions across England, a LVEP would work on developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives to boost tourism, support local businesses, and enhance the overall appeal of Northamptonshire to visitors both domestically and internationally. The development setting out what the LVEP could look like in Northamptonshire is a priority following the adoption of the Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy and will be explored in partnership with the private sector. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “The visitor economy in Northamptonshire is diverse, robust and has extreme potential for largescale growth. By developing a Local Visitor Economy Partnership between the private and public sector, we can source support from Visit England to expand Northamptonshire’s tourism offer even further and realise growth for the entire county. “Our strategic location in the country, boasting proud culture and heritage, along with world-class attractions and events, makes Northamptonshire the perfect destination for visitors and engagement. National statistics show over 18 million visits to the county spending close to £1 billion a year which supports over 30,000 jobs across the county and 3,000 businesses, including a wide range of attractions, hotels, pubs and other venues that visitors enjoy. “We will work collaboratively and creatively to ensure every resident and visitor in Northamptonshire utilises the tourism offer of the county, and we will work with attractions and employers to overcome barriers and realise opportunities for growth.” Both councils will continue to deliver specific tourism activities at a local level but will work with wider partners for larger initiatives when appropriate and necessary. Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “We are extremely proud of the county we call home – it really is a hidden gem, which in the past may have been overlooked when people are looking for places to visit and stay. “But that shouldn’t be the case at all, and this new strategy sets out how we can attract and improve visitor numbers, encourage people to return and boost the tourism economy. It also looks at how we can maximise future potential, where both councils can continue to work together and in close partnership with the tourism industry, education and other stakeholders to promote Northamptonshire. “Our diverse offer gives visitors a huge variety of experiences and activities to enjoy, alongside beautiful towns and villages packed full of unique shops, cafes and restaurants to explore. We are also extremely fortunate to have some stunning countryside on our doorsteps, with routes and trails to help you get back to nature. We also want to encourage visitors to stay in our county and to do that we need to enhance our accommodation offering from camping, glamping, and budget to high end accommodation. We really need to shout about Northamptonshire and what it has to offer. “A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has engaged in the process so far, this is the first stage of many and stakeholder involvement plays a vital part of this plan. “Now that the strategy has been approved by both councils, we can continue to grow and develop the relationships between us, WNC and partners to put the strategy into action, alongside developing the LVEP, which will all in turn help us showcase this fantastic county.”

In the wake of recent storms, councils across the East Midlands are calling for more funding to protect against flooding.

Following A National Audit Office report which confirms that the region is losing out on much-need funding to protect against flooding, East Midlands Councils (EMC), a body which represents local authorities across the region, is calling on the Government to update the model for investment in flood defences.

The NAO’s analysis of the Environment Agency’s investment programme confirms that the East Midlands receives almost the lowest level funding per property at risk at £3,227, despite large areas of the region being vulnerable to fluvial (river), surface water, and coastal flooding. This compares unfavourably to North East which receives almost 4 times as much at £12,563 per property and the North West at £10,204. Cllr Martin Hill, Chair of EMC, and leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “For many towns and villages in the East Midlands, it is becoming almost impossible to secure the necessary investment to protect homes and businesses. “While proposed flood defence schemes in the East Midlands inevitably stall, we are seeing funding increasingly skewed to other parts of the country. “East Midlands Councils have written to the Government highlighting these concerns, including with the Government’s model for investment and business case appraisal that has made it increasingly difficult to secure funding despite a clear need and the obvious value for money that our region offers.” Cllr James Naish, EMC Executive Board Member and Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The NAO report clearly shows that it is time to overhaul the funding model for flood defences. “According to Environment Agency data, just 120 extra properties across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire were protected from flooding in 2022/23. This is a much lower figure than in other more affluent parts of the country. “This is despite East Midlands counties being some of the areas worst hit by recent storms and being promised millions of pounds of extra investment to make them more resilient. “Our communities are no longer willing to be treated as collateral damage for funding failures. It is time for the Government to overhaul the system to make sure that the shackles blocking the Environment Agency are broken, so they can invest where there is a demonstrable need to reduce frequent flooding.” In recent months, the East Midlands has battled Storm Babet, Storm Henk, Storm Isha, and Storm Jocelyn, which have caused major disruption due to flooding, leading to major evacuations, emergency responses and clean-up operations. Last year, the East Midlands All Party Parliamentary Group consisting of MPs from across the region published a report on the wider social and economic benefits of major infrastructure investment in the region which highlighted the need for more investment in flood defences.

EMC has been warning about the dangers of increased flooding for some time, producing a major report with the Met Office in 2015 (Changing Nature of Flooding in the East Midlands) which outlined the key challenges facing the region over the next decades, and areas where an enhanced response will be required to protect against flooding.

EMW has merged with SP Law in a deal that will accelerate the firm’s ambitious growth plans, provide SP Law clients with a wider breadth of services and sees EMW return to Northampton after a 16-year absence.  Based in Northampton, SP Law advises commercial and private clients on a range of legal services, from family law and personal injury through to employment law and commercial litigation. The firm, which merged with Martin Adams & McColl in 2012, was founded by Hassan Shah and Sundip Patel.   EMW is a full-service law firm with offices in Milton Keynes, London, Gatwick and Brighton, and works with both UK and international clients. It recently secured B Corp certification, awarded to companies that place social good and environmental stewardship at the heart of their business. The firm is focused on delivering an ambitious growth strategy, targeting both organic growth and further complementary mergers.  James Geary, Managing Partner at EMW, said: “We’re pleased to be able to announce the merger with SP Law, which will see the firm’s return to Northampton, where it launched back in 1992. Whilst the Northamptonshire market has served us well despite our absence, we recognise that a physical presence in the county will increase our opportunities.  “The deal will allow us to accelerate growth, build market share and ensure we’re investing in innovation and attracting the very best talent. Hassan and Sundip have built a well-established and highly respected firm with the same values and ethos as ours, and we look forward to working together to deliver on our shared ambitions.” Hassan Shah, Director at SP Law, said: “Sundip and I have our roots in Northampton and together with our wonderful team, have been privileged to serve our local community over the past 19 or so years. Our recent move to 8 Spencer Parade was part of our strategy to support the town centre. “We are confident that the return of EMW to Northampton will be great for the town – it is also a clear signal that Northampton has a thriving and dynamic business community and is a place worthy of investment. We look forward to this exciting new chapter for both firms.”