Cllr Rebecca Breeze is the West Northants Council Cabinet Member responsible for Strategic Planning, Built Environment & Rural Affairs, and here she talks about her career, her work and its long term natiue plus and the major issues she faces on behalf of local citizens.

Driving industry change and sustainability is the mission of Deborah Taylor, founder and MD of the Sustainable Leather Foundation CIC, which recently held its annual summit at the University of Northampton, from where Deborah reports on the event, the key issues and the work of the Foundation. See https://sustainableleatherfoundation.com/

Executive job hunting in mid-career has its challenges, as high flying Oxford graduate Simon Gilchrist attests following his career break. Despite a stellar CV and a top Warwick MBA, it is not easy to find a suitable new role - but this story does have a happy ending! 

Entrepreneur and publisher Martin Lewis-Stephenson speaks about how he acquired and relaunched Northamptonshire's Business Times, and how his media business, the Pulse Media Group, is expanding - and the strategy and approach behind it. See https://pulsemediagroup.co.uk/

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards

JA Knight & Son Farmers Ltd is a successful family run business based near Walgrave, Northamptonshire. Since taking over the farm, Matt has transformed the way the land is farmed using both modern technology to reduce chemical and fertiliser additions as well as changing land use to encourage wildlife and biodiversity. The farm has planted 8 acres of woodland as well as enabling the creation of a ‘nature corridor’ from the farm to Pitsford Reservoir.

Contact - 01604 781630 & www.jaknightfarms.co.uk

Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards

Kamil Podgorski won the Canapé of the Year award for his ‘Autumn Sonata’ – a cored scone, filled with autumn raspberry chutney and topped with parmesan and mint that was served to guests arriving at the Awards dinner.

Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards

The Palmichael has been owned and run by the Palmiero family since 1981. Michael heads the kitchens and sister Maria runs the front of house. Their priorities are clear and simple: fine authentic Italian food and great friendly service.

Using the very best quality Italian and British ingredients – the finest Italian DOC Parma ham; Parmigiano Reggiano; buffalo mozzarella, fantastic egg pasta; tender 28-day dry aged Hereford steaks, freshly prepared fish and seafood from UK ports including Brixham, Plymouth and Billings gate market, freshly roasted coffee from Well Roasted roastery in Market Harborough and Warner Edwards Dry and Flavoured Gins from Falls Farm in Harrington.

The Palmichael aims to support local small businesses by sourcing their fresh food and drink as locally as possible and Northamptonshire has some of the best fresh produce to offer.

Available to book for lunch and dinner reservations it offers the perfect setting for group bookings, whether you are entertaining friends, having a business meeting, or hosting a party. The versatile space can host parties for up to 30 guests dining or 50 for drinks and Cicchetti, with direct access to the bar this venue is a great area for receptions.

Contact Info : 01536 723641 - www.thepalmichael.co.uk

Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Our series of interviews with local government councillors continues, with an engaging chat with Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at West Northants Council. David talks about his varied career as a serial entrepreneur and for the past few years in politics, with a spell in France as wine maker and elite cycling along the way.