Northamptonshire Chamber Business Exhibition 2026

Horizon Radio was live at the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition at Mercure Northampton on Thursday 24 September, broadcasting from the event throughout the day and meeting some of the many businesses, organisations and community groups taking part.

Organised by the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, the exhibition brought together hundreds of local businesses, providing an opportunity to connect, network, promote their services and make new contacts.

As part of our live coverage, Chris Gregg spoke to a wide range of exhibitors and guests about their businesses, the work they do across Northamptonshire and some of the issues and opportunities affecting the local business community.

You can watch all of our interviews from the exhibition below, giving you the chance to hear directly from the people and organisations who were there and discover more about the businesses helping to make Northamptonshire such an exciting place to work and do business.

Sunny Singh (Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce)

Sunny Singh explains how the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce brings local businesses together through networking, events and opportunities to build valuable connections. He talks about the importance of face-to-face contact in an increasingly digital world, as well as the range of organisations attending the exhibition, from businesses and charities to community groups and public sector organisations. Sunny also discusses initiatives including the Local Skills Improvement Plan, Women with Vision and speed networking, and why collaboration is so important to the local business community.

Hayley Mauro (Wilson Browne Solicitors)

Hayley Mauro from Wilson Browne Solicitors talks about the firm's long history of supporting businesses and individuals across Northamptonshire, having been established locally for 195 years. She explains the importance of getting proper legal advice rather than relying on AI-generated documents, and discusses some of the areas where the firm's team can help businesses, including commercial disputes, buying and selling businesses, wills and probate. Hayley also reveals why Wilson Browne were serving waffles on sticks at the exhibition!

Caroline Strawson (Title Global)

Caroline Strawson from Title Global discusses the connection between mental wellbeing and sustainable business success, and why understanding your own capacity under pressure can be just as important as having a strong business strategy. She talks about nervous system literacy, trauma-informed communication and creating healthier workplaces, as well as the workshops, lunch-and-learns and consultancy Title Global provides. Caroline also shares the personal journey that led her to build a successful group of businesses and explains why preventing burnout needs to be part of the conversation around business growth.

Phil Vials (East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre)

Phil Vials from the East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre explains how businesses are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated cyber criminals, with AI making scams and fraudulent messages even harder to detect. He discusses spear phishing, compromised email accounts and urgent payment requests that can appear to come directly from a boss or colleague. Phil also outlines the free support available to businesses, including training, webinars, one-to-one advice and cyber security checks, as well as the Cyber Path initiative working with students from the University of Northampton. His key message is simple: even if a business is small, it can still be a target, so always double-check suspicious or urgent requests.

Katie Fouracre (Cynthia Spencer Hospice)

Katie Fouracre from Cynthia Spencer Hospice talks about the charity's upcoming fundraising events and the vital support it provides to families across Northamptonshire. She discusses Cycle Cynthia at Holdenby House, with 10, 25 and 50-mile routes attracting more than 200 cyclists, as well as the hospice's 50th anniversary celebrations. Katie also highlights the Black-Tie Gala at Hangar One in Sywell on 15 October, featuring the Northampton Saints and Billy Lockett, and the 1940s Big Band Bash at the Mercure Northampton on 14 November, with fundraising helping Cynthia Spencer continue its work supporting local families.

Jonathan Dowling (The Tempeo Foundation)

Jonathan Dowling explains how The Tempeo Foundation brings businesses and charities together to support children and families across Northamptonshire. He talks about the foundation's events, which have involved dozens of businesses and supported more than 840 families and children, as well as the Tempio Community Lounge, where families can enjoy activities, entertainment, food and vouchers with support from local business partners. Jonathan explains how businesses can get involved and how working together can create meaningful support for local families and charitable organisations.

Niall Johnson (East Mids Stop Smoking Service)

Niall Johnson from the West Northamptonshire Stop Smoking Service explains the free support available to people who want to quit smoking. He talks about the tailored 12-week programme, which can include nicotine replacement therapy, e-cigarettes and medication where appropriate, alongside practical support to help people stay on track. Support is available through a range of options including telephone appointments, face-to-face clinics and video consultations, making it easier for people to access help in a way that suits them.

Rebecca Nutt (Rainbows Children's Hospice)

Rebecca Nutt from Rainbows Children's Hospice explains the vital work carried out by the East Midlands' only children's hospice, supporting babies, children and young people aged from birth to 18 with life-shortening conditions and their families. She discusses how the hospice relies heavily on donations, fundraising and business partnerships, with only around 15% of its funding coming from the government. Rebecca also explains how local businesses can support the hospice through fundraising, corporate partnerships, events and the Business Club, with even small contributions helping make a difference to families across the region.

Scott Jones (123 Internet)

Scott Jones from 123 Internet discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in marketing and the difference between using AI effectively and simply producing generic 'AI slop'. He explains how AI can help small businesses and charities save time and money across written, visual, video and audio content, while stressing the importance of maintaining a clear brand identity and human oversight. Scott also talks about AI training, creating effective prompts, building AI agents and the importance of protecting confidential information when using AI tools.

Carla Desti (Abbeyfield School)

Carla Desti from Abbeyfield School explains how she works to connect education with the local business community, helping young people gain a better understanding of the world of work. She discusses careers fairs, mock interviews, guest speakers, work experience and apprenticeships, as well as some of the challenges businesses and schools face when arranging placements, including insurance, transport and changes to working practices. Carla also highlights what businesses can gain from working with young people, including fresh ideas, social media knowledge, IT skills and a different perspective on emerging technologies such as AI.

Kerry Lewis-Stephenson (Pulse Group Media)

Kerry Lewis-Stephenson from Pulse Group Media talks about the importance of face-to-face networking and the opportunities that can come from making connections with other businesses. She highlights some of the major regional projects creating potential opportunities for local companies, including developments such as Universal Studios, Luton Airport's runway expansion and Sizewell C procurement. Kerry also discusses the importance of being visible on LinkedIn, asking questions and taking a genuine interest in other people, rather than simply focusing on what you can sell, with her advice summed up by the phrase: two ears, one mouth.

Jula Doherty (event visitor)

Jula Doherty shares her thoughts on networking and the importance of building genuine relationships when developing a business. The conversation explores how successful sales are often about understanding a customer's needs and solving their problems rather than applying pressure, as well as the value of being known, liked and trusted. Jula also talks about the atmosphere at the exhibition and the opportunities it provides to meet other local businesses, make connections and have conversations that could lead to future opportunities.