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.

Martin spoke to Marco Gundermann the University of Northamptons Head of Economics, international relations and development at the Faculty of Business and Law all about last weeks autumn statement. What does it mean for general public, winners and losers, and what the political implications are for next years expected general election.

Silverstone Technology Cluster's CEO Pim Van Baarsen reports direct from STC's annual Innovation and Growth Conference, with details of the keynote speakers and a new initiative to address the skills gap in engineering. See https://www.silverstonetechnologycluster.com/

With news of an excellent new concept at their Thrapston base,  catering kitchen and equipment specialist WhitCo's CEO Vita Whitaker talks about the vision behind this new initiative, and how it will become a base to bring industry and education  closer together to drive skills and innovation. See www.whitcoltd.com

The popular and well-known Northants & Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce Group Commercial Director Sunny Singh gives an update on the latest Chamber activities, with a finger on the pulse of the mood  around the region, also sharing details of the Northamptonshire Business Awards and Next Generation initiative. See https://northants-chamber.co.uk/

West Northants Councillor Malcom Longley has cabinet responsibility  overseeing finance and here he talks about how his long career in business has prepared him to bring strong financial and budgeting disciplines to the new unitary authority. See www.westnorthants.gov.uk

Musical Director and maestro Stephen Bell, founder of Red Kite Training, talks about how he is bringing his executive development, management training and motivational skills to bear in Be. Partners Ltd, a new venture and coalition of six partners coming together with a range of products and services to help organisations deliver real, lasting and positive impact in their people, planet, place, productivity and profit. See www.bepartners.org

Recently retired University of Northampton subject head and senior lecturer Alistair Sutton and his successor Tiju Kodiyat reflect on teaching and managerial duties in a University environment and howe the demands of the job - and the students - are evolving.

Entrepreneur Emma Rose, landlady of The Coach House Inn and The Royal Oak in Rutland, talks about the transition from teaching business in a university to doing it and how her business philosophy guides her in creating welcoming community inns. See https://www.thecoachhouseinn.co.uk/ and https://www.royaloakduddington.com/

Celebrating the company's 65th Anniversary Cosworth's CEO and Chairman of he Board Hal Reisiger talks about the history and success of this jewel in the crown of Northamptonshire, a well-known brand in high performance engineering and motorsport, and reveals some insights into his management approach as an American working in the UK. See https://www.cosworth.com/

Listen to Dominic Masterson Chartered MCSI, Chief Exec of the Northants based Commsave Credit Union who treating their role in banking, finance and money as a service, with a high customer service and employee-focused philosophy.

Argentine born Julian Coronati discusses his ambitions and role with the Barcelona-based strategic sourcing company S3 Group, following his Master's degree in Italy, and, despite rising geo-political tensions, talks about the continuing importance and success of China as a source of products and components - and how other countries struggle to match the Chinese speed of response, service levels and competitive pricing

On this episode, we hear about life in the fast lane (via Eagles - see what I did there!) from Dr. Roger Barker, Director of Policy & Governance at the influential Institute of Directors (IoD) talking about representing business people in his regular contacts with Government.