Vulcan Works

TMM IRL: Driven by History – Women in Motorsport at Silverstone Museum
2026-03-05 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
The Northampton Marketing Meetup is an informal, friendly place for the marketers of Northants to meet, learn, and share knowledge with one another. Come in ‘listen’ not ‘sell’ mode 🙂
We’re heading back to the lovely Vulcan Works for this one, and we just want to get together, say hello, have a chat, and have a nice time.
Think of this as a community event, where the focus is very much on you meeting other people in a chilled out friendly space. We’ll chat over food and drink, listen to an inspirational speaker or two, chat some more, and go home buzzing with new contacts and new ideas.
Let’s have a lovely night in the company of some amazin’ people.
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Speaker: Stephanie Sykes-Dugmore, Head of Collections and Research at Silverstone Museum
Topic: Driven by History – Women in Motorsport at Silverstone Museum
To coincide with International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Steph, Head of Collections and Research at Silverstone Museum.
Discover the untold stories of the women who shaped motorsport history and continue to inspire future generations. This talk explores the heritage preserved at Silverstone Museum, highlighting pioneers who broke barriers and the modern movement driving inclusivity through initiatives like #Girlswill. This talk will look how the power of Driver to Survive and the new female fanbase is changing the demographics and now market is now changing to engage these fans. Join us to explore how history fuels change—and how you can help drive the future.
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The format of the night:
6:00 pm – doors open – drinks, networking, and smiles
6:30 pm – introduction and talks begin
7:00 pm – talks finish, networking, listening, saying hello, and positively lovely people
7:45 pm – end of the night – you leave with new contacts and fresh ideas
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Partnered with The ONE Group, whose recruitment team bridges the gap between marketing professionals and a vast network of Northamptonshire businesses, empowering career progression at every stage with unmissable opportunities and job-hunting support. Read more at TheOneGroup.co.uk
Partnered with Vulcan Works, helping entrepreneurs bring world challenging ideas to life. A workspace and community for innovative creatives. Check them out at VulcanWorks.co.uk
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And finally…
This is a donation ticketed event. The ticket price is yours to choose, from £5 to £50 (the average attendees choose to pay £11.38 🙂
We of course understand that these are tough times, so if you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford the minimum donation amount, please reach out to el@themarketingmeetup.com and we’ll find a ticket for you (provided capacity hasn’t already been reached!) 🙂
Please let your marketing friends and colleagues know about this group too, we hope to build it into a great resource for the community over the coming months and years. Attendance will be taken at this event. If you sign up but don’t show up, this has a knock on effect on event arrangements. If it happens 3 times, you’re outta here! This is simply a measure to allow appropriate respect to the organisers, speakers, sponsors, and your fellow community members 🙂
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See you there!

Future-proof your SEO: AI, content and strategy
2026-03-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Join us for a free event designed for marketers, business owners and content creators who want to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of search engine optimisation.
Discover how AI is transforming SEO strategies, learn how to create content that ranks and explore the tools and techniques that will dominate in 2026 and beyond.

Morning
9.00 – 10.00 – Networking

10.00 – 10.30: Tristan James (EE) – The three pillars of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and tactics to improve AI visibility

10.30 – 11.00: James Bavington (StrategiQ) – When ads enter the chat: How AI interfaces will rewrite Search Marketing

11.15 – 11.45: Harry Evans (Care Launch) – Most AI SEO content fails. Here’s how we’ve used AI to generate £5m+ in revenue

11.45 – 12.15: Anna Wojciechowska and Elsa Hagman (Cludo) – Conversational search: How dialogue is changing the way users find information

Lunch
12.15 – 1.00: Buffet lunch provided by Barclays Eagle Labs

Afternoon

1.00 – 1.30: David Bevan, Chris Normington, Robyn Fisher and Olabisi Adewale (West Northamptonshire Council) – Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with the content improvement: How we use Cludo to help customers

1.30 – 2.00: Nikki Pilkington (Non Wanky SEO) – SEO, innit? Why the fundamentals beat the jargon every time

2.00 – 2.30: Closing panel discussions and questions

What you will learn

AI in SEO: How artificial intelligence is reshaping keyword research, content optimisation and ranking strategies

Content that converts: Practical tips for creating engaging, high-performing web content

Future trends: What’s next for SEO and how to prepare your business for algorithm changes

Tools and techniques: The best AI-driven platforms to streamline your SEO workflow

Why attend?

Stay ahead of competitors with cutting-edge SEO insights

Network with like-minded professionals and innovators

Gain actionable strategies you can implement immediately

Who should attend?

Marketing professionals

Business owners

Content creators

Anyone looking to boost their online visibility

NN1 DEV #11: "Compiling JavaScript ahead-of-time" by Oliver Medhurst and "Future of Work is Async" by Rob Hough
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Another combination of extremely technical deep dives with soft skills efficiency boosters. Join us if you want to learn how to match the performance of JavaScript code with compiled Rust and to find out why async work is the future of our fast-paced industry.

18:00 – 18:30
Meet and Greet

18:30 – 19:00
“Compiling JavaScript ahead-of-time” by Oliver Medhurst
Existing JavaScript (and TypeScript) is compiled just-in-time, compiled from source on user’s machines, but what about ahead-of-time, compiled in advance like C++ or Rust? This talk will explore the pros and cons of this upcoming paradigm with real-world examples and working demos!

19:00 – 19:15
Break

19:15 – 19:45
“Future of Work is Async” by Rob Hough
The way developers work is changing. Remote work, AI, and automation mean we have more leverage than ever — yet many teams are still trapped in endless meetings, interruptions, and slow-moving projects. This talk explores why smaller, async teams are becoming a competitive advantage, and what it takes to work this way effectively.

Vulcan Works Open Day
2026-04-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Join us at Vulcan Works – Offices & Coworking Space for a day filled with networking, and discovering new opportunities. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or just curious about coworking spaces, this event is for you!

Explore our modern facilities, tour our offices and meet our vibrant community. Don’t miss this chance to see firsthand what makes Vulcan Works the perfect place to work and connect.
Mark your calendar and come along to Vulcan Works Open Day – we can’t wait to show you around!
What to Expect:

Venue Tours Explore our beautifully restored Victorian industrial building—home to coworking spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and collaborative breakout areas.
Meet the Community Connect with current residents and local entrepreneurs, hear their stories, and discover how Vulcan Works supports business growth
Free Hot Desking Try the space for yourself! Bring your laptop and enjoy a complimentary day of hot desking in our vibrant shared workspace.
Refreshments & Networking Enjoy coffee and informal networking throughout the day.

Vulcan Sessions: Employment law changes in 2026-2027 with Haus of HR
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
April 2026 marks the beginning of one of the biggest shifts in UK employment law in a generation.

Session Overview: Employment Law Changes in 2026-2027:
April 2026 marks the beginning of one of the biggest shifts in UK employment law in a generation, as the Employment Rights Act 2025 starts to take effect. Multiple major reforms land this April, with further changes continuing into late 2026 and 2027. These changes introduce substantial new rights for workers and new obligations and risks for employers.
This session provides a clear, practical overview of:

The April 2026 changes and what employers must action immediately
Key reforms due later in 2026 and into 2027
How these changes affect HR processes, policies, contracts, payroll and manager training
Real‑world implications for SMEs, especially around sickness absence, family leave, whistleblowing, dismissal risk and union activity
A roadmap to ensure employers remain compliant and prepared for the years ahead

Bio:
Rachel Collar is an award‑winning HR leader with over 25 years’ experience delivering global HR strategy – often within complex, highly regulated and unionised environments. As the Founder of Haus of HR, a leading Northamptonshire‑based HR consultancy, she brings deep expertise in employment law, employee relations and workforce change. A Fellow of the CIPD, Rachel specialises in helping organisations navigate legislative reform, strengthen compliance and build robust people frameworks. Rachel is known for translating complex employment law shifts into practical actions that empower employers to stay compliant, confident and prepared.

Business Podcasting 101: Should I start a podcast for my business?
2026-04-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
How YOU can get cut-through in congested markets
Your business is growing, but you’re still not generating the revenue you need.
Business is more competitive than ever. Standing out requires more than just expertise. You have to tell stories that make people care and take action.
So, what’s the answer? How about launching your own podcast?
If you’re considering starting your own business podcast, we can help you.
Business Podcasting 101 workshop 1: Should I start a podcast for my business?
📅 29 April 26
🕘 9:00 – 12:00
📍 Vulcan Works
In this workshop we’ll cover:

The difference between business podcasting and regular podcasting
An overview of the process of producing a podcast
The ways in which podcasting can help your business
Things you must consider in order to make podcasting worthwhile for your business

Book your place

From Ideas to Income: IP Commercialisation and Optimising R&D Tax Credits
2026-05-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
An event focused on pursuing patent protection alongside R&D Tax Credits, brought to you by Lucidity IP, TC Group and Barclays Eagle Labs.

Commonly, patent protection is perceived to lack benefits at the early stages of a product lifecycle. At the same time, there’s a significant lack of awareness about the Patent Box Relief Scheme. The average Patent Box claim is actually larger than the average R&D claim.
At this event, you will understand how to utilise Patent Box and R&D claims effectively.
Session Structure: (90 Minutes)

Welcome & Intros (5 mins)
Part 1: Patent Box and IP commercialisation with Rob Sansby (30 mins)
Part 2: R&D Tax Credits with Felix Medd (30 mins)
Q&A (25 mins)
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch (Provided by the event organisers)

Session Content:
Rob from Lucidity IP will cover:

How the requirements for patent protection tie into R&D claim requirements;
Timings for patent protection in relation to R&D projects;
Shaping patent protection to maximise potential Patent Box benefit.

Felix from TC Group will cover:

At the start; determining eligibility, record keeping practises, cost planning
After financial year; key deadlines such as prenotification period and submission timelines
At the point of IP protection & monetisation – Patent Box Relief starts to apply.

Meet the Speakers:
Rob Sansby – Founder and Director of Lucidity IP, Rob is an experienced patent attorney with over a decade of experience in the complex industry of intellectual property. Rob is experienced in drafting patent applications, enforcement of patent rights, and the licensing of patents. Rob’s experience in the industry working with entrepreneurs gives them the confidence to innovate with a robust IP strategy behind them.
Felix Medd – As Head of R&D Tax Relief at TC Group, Felix is well versed with HMRC legislation and processes. Felix has supported clients from a wide variety of industries including software, manufacturing, defence, metalworking/diecasting, financial services and precision coatings. Felix has guided his clients to many successful claims that have led to confidence and being able to articulate persuasively and effectively with HMRC to achieve positive outcomes.
Parking:
Please note, there is no onsite parking at Vulcan Works. The nearest car parks are St.Johns multistorey or Morrisons supermarket.

TMM IRL: The Human Advantage – How to Build a Business People Actually Feel James Sandbrook, Cofounder at The Marketing Meetup
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
The Northampton Marketing Meetup is an informal, friendly place for the marketers of Northants to meet, learn, and share knowledge with one another. Come in ‘listen’ not ‘sell’ mode 🙂
We’re heading back to the lovely Vulcan Works for this one, and we just want to get together, say hello, have a chat, and have a nice time.
Think of this as a community event, where the focus is very much on you meeting other people in a chilled out friendly space. We’ll chat over food and drink, listen to an inspirational speaker or two, chat some more, and go home buzzing with new contacts and new ideas.
Let’s have a lovely night in the company of some amazin’ people.
——————–
Speaker: James Sandbrook, Cofounder at The Marketing Meetup
Topic: The Human Advantage: How to Build a Business People Actually Feel
In this talk, James will show us:
•⁠ ⁠how to create magic moments
•⁠ ⁠⁠how to create experiences that feel generous not transactional
•⁠ ⁠⁠how to create rituals that drive loyalty
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The format of the night:
6:00 pm – doors open – drinks, networking, and smiles
6:30 pm – introduction and talks begin
7:00 pm – talks finish, networking, listening, saying hello, and positively lovely people
7:45 pm – end of the night – you leave with new contacts and fresh ideas
——————–
Partnered with The Keynote Club, a public speaking club for marketers. TKC is a safe and friendly space for marketing folk to come together, connect and exercise our public speaking muscles. Get involved at thekeynoteclub.com
Partnered with Vulcan Works, helping entrepreneurs bring world challenging ideas to life. A workspace and community for innovative creatives. Check them out at VulcanWorks.co.uk
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And finally…
This is a donation ticketed event. The ticket price is yours to choose, from £5 to £50 (the average attendees choose to pay £11.38 🙂
We of course understand that these are tough times, so if you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford the minimum donation amount, please reach out to el@themarketingmeetup.com and we’ll find a ticket for you (provided capacity hasn’t already been reached!) 🙂
Please let your marketing friends and colleagues know about this group too, we hope to build it into a great resource for the community over the coming months and years. Attendance will be taken at this event. If you sign up but don’t show up, this has a knock on effect on event arrangements. If it happens 3 times, you’re outta here! This is simply a measure to allow appropriate respect to the organisers, speakers, sponsors, and your fellow community members 🙂

AI Automation Workshop
2026-05-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
How AI Can Save Your Business 10+ Hours a Week

Workshop Overview
A hands-on, practical workshop designed for early-stage and small business owners who want to understand how AI can automate repetitive tasks, save time, and grow their business – without needing any technical background. This is not a lecture about what AI is. Through live demos and real-world case studies, participants will see exactly how AI automation works in practice – and leave with a clear action plan for their own business.
Date Friday 8 May 2026
Location Vulcan Works, Northampton
Duration 1-hour group session (presentation + live demos) + 30-minute individual consultation slots
Audience Vulcan Creatives cohort — early-stage business owners.
Requirements Just turn up — no laptop or setup needed
Facilitator Olushola Oladipupo — Founder, WorkCrew Ltd; Solutions Architect, AWS
What’s Covered: Group Session (60 minutes)
• AI Tools That Actually Matter — A no-jargon tour of the tools that save real businesses real time: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and automation platforms. What each one does best, and which one fits your business.
• Live Demo: AI in Action — Watch a real AI system take a customer order via WhatsApp, write it to a spreadsheet, calculate the total, and notify the business owner — all automatically. Built by WorkCrew for a real UK food business.
• Live Demo: From Idea to Automation in Minutes — See how a simple business task (email replies, social media posts, lead follow-ups) gets automated live on screen — start to finish, no coding.
• The 10-Hour Framework — A simple method to audit your week, identify the tasks AI can handle, and prioritise which to automate first. Most business owners find 10+ hours of automatable work they didn’t realise they had.
Individual Consultations (30 minutes each) After the group session, each participant gets a private 30-minute slot with Shola to discuss their specific business challenges and get a personalised AI action plan. This is where the real value lands — tailored advice for your exact situation.
What Participants Walk Away With
• A clear understanding of which AI tools actually matter for their business (and which are hype)
• A personalised AI action plan from the 1:1 consultation
• The 10-Hour Framework worksheet — a reusable template for identifying automatable tasks
• A curated resource list of free and low-cost AI tools relevant to small businesses
• Clarity on which AI tools are worth paying for and which are free
• Confidence to experiment with AI independently after the session
Ideal For
• Business owners who have heard about AI but don’t know where to start
• Founders spending hours on repetitive tasks (emails, social media, admin, customer queries)
• Anyone who has used ChatGPT for blog writing but wants to go further
• Businesses that want to look and operate like a much bigger company — using AI as the multiplier

Intellectual property litigation for start-ups WEBINAR
2026-05-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Northampton
An introduction to the steps you can take if you find your intellectual property has been infringed.

IP litigation can be a daunting thought but this session will provide an introduction to the steps a business can take if they find their intellectual property has been infringed.
Hosted by Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire and delivered by Franks & Co European Patent & Trademark Attorneys.
This webinar is for people living in the UK only.
Prior to the webinar you will receive an email with webinar link and details. Please add bipc@westnorthants.gov.uk to your contact’s list to avoid our email going into your junk mail.
Following the event Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire will send a feedback form which we would be grateful if you could complete to allow us to monitor the success of our events. This is facilitated by our third party processor Reason Digital Limited.

#12: "Resilient Payment Systems: How bank transfers actually work (most of the time)" by Jacek Miloszewski and "There's No Such Thing As Plain Text" by Dylan Beattie
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Schedule #

18:00 – 18:30
Meet and Greet

18:30 – 19:00

“Resilient Payment Systems: How bank transfers actually work (most of the time)” by Jacek Miloszewski
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you send money? In this talk, I’ll take you under the hood of how Form3 helps banks handle inter-bank transfers at scale. We’ll dive into the high-stakes world of security, compliance, and volume, and how we’ve built the architecture (and the teams) to handle it all. I’ll cover the practical side of running a mission-critical system, including: scaling teams, regulatory hurdles and hardened security.

19:00 – 19:15
Break

19:15 – 19:45

“There’s No Such Thing As Plain Text” by Dylan Beattie
When we say something is a plain text file, we’re relying on a huge number of assumptions – about operating systems, editors, file formats, language, culture, history… and, most of the time, that’s OK. But when it goes wrong, good old plain text can lead to some of the weirdest bugs you’ve ever seen. Join Dylan Beattie for a fascinating look into the hidden world of text files – from the history of mechanical teletypes, to how emoji skin tones actually work.

Accessibility #
Our venue is wheelchair accessible, and we provide on-site assistance for anyone requiring additional support during the meetup. While we currently do not offer live captioning for talks, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all participants. Please contact the organisers with any specific accessibility requirements.

Food and drinks #
Learning new things and socialising with others is a lot easier when you are properly energised. Pizza, some sweets and beverages are on us. There is something for everyone: pepperoni pizza, vegan ones, fizzy drinks, water and a selection of beers. You are welcome!

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day May
2026-05-29 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Work Smarter. Discover Your New Workspace.
Join us for a Free Hot Desking Day at Vulcan Works and experience a vibrant coworking community designed for freelancers, startups, remote workers, and growing businesses.
Whether you’re tired of working from home, looking for a professional space to focus, or simply curious about coworking – this is your chance to try it completely free.
What’s Included

Free hot desk access for the day
High-speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary tea & coffee
Access to breakout and collaboration spaces
Networking opportunities with local professionals and creatives
A tour of the facilities and membership options

Who’s It For?

Freelancers & consultants
Remote and hybrid workers
Entrepreneurs & startups
Students & creatives
Anyone looking for a productive, inspiring workspace

Why Attend?
At Vulcan Works, we believe workspaces should inspire collaboration, creativity, and connection. Come and see why our community is helping local businesses and professionals thrive.

Cashflow Control: Strengthening Your Business for Sustainable Growth
2026-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Join Barclays Eagle Labs and Michael Price Associates for a practical, insight-led session designed for scaling and established businesses.

Cashflow is one of the most powerful, and often misunderstood, levers in a growing business. While many established businesses are generating revenue and even profit, cash can still feel tight. Growth, rising costs, and slower payment cycles are putting increasing pressure on working capital – and without clear visibility and control, even strong businesses can find themselves constrained. Through a real-life case study, we’ll explore how cashflow challenges develop, where control is often lost, and what business owners can do to strengthen their financial position.
Session Schedule:

10:30-11:00 – Arrival, coffee & networking
11:00 – 11:45 – Cashflow Workshop (MPA)
11:45-12:30 – Lunch (Provided by event organisers)

What we’ll cover:

Understanding cashflow in a scaling business
Why growth increases pressure on cash — and how to stay in control.
A real business scenario
Step through a case study to see how cashflow challenges build over time and how they can be identified earlier.
Revenue, profit and cash — the critical differences
Make better decisions by understanding what your numbers are really telling you.
Where cash gets tied up
From invoicing and payment terms to stock, staffing and overheads.
Strengthening your financial position
Practical ways to improve working capital and create more stability.
Building confidence in your numbers
How to use cashflow insight to support better planning and decision-making.

Why attend:

Gain greater control and visibility over your cashflow.
Understand how to support sustainable, confident growth.
Learn from real-world scenarios, not just theory.
Walk away with practical actions you can apply immediately.
Connect with other local business owners.

Bonus:
All attendees will have the opportunity to book a free 30-minute 1-2-1 session with an MPA expert to discuss their business and next steps.
Meet the speaker:
Samantha Wildman (Director – MPA) Samantha is a highly experienced business adviser and Group Client Director at MPA, where she also sits on the Board. She works closely with established and scaling businesses to help them strengthen financial control, improve visibility, and support sustainable growth. With over a decade of experience advising senior leaders across a range of sectors, Samantha brings a practical, commercially focused perspective to the challenges business owners face, particularly around cashflow, funding, and managing growth without unnecessary risk. Known for her clear, results-driven approach, Samantha helps business owners move beyond reactive decision-making, giving them the confidence and control needed to plan ahead and scale effectively.

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day June
2026-06-26 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Vulcan's Den
2026-06-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Got a business idea worth pitching?
We’re excited to launch Vulcan’s Den – inspired by the popular BBC series where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of industry experts.
This is your opportunity to showcase your business, share your vision, and compete to win a serviced office space at Vulcan Works for one month completely FREE*
You’ll pitch live to:
🔹 Darren Smith – Vulcan Works
🔹 Sam Hunter – The Growth Hub
🔹 Owen Moran – Barclays Eagle Lab
We’re looking for ambitious entrepreneurs, innovative ideas, and businesses ready to grow within our thriving community.
📍 Vulcan Works
📅 Tuesday 30th June
Think you’ve got what it takes to step into the Den?
Complete the entry form today and take your next big step. (link in the bio or send us a DM)
*with a £50 refundable security deposit

Find the right funding path for your business
2026-07-01 09:30 - 13:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
What’s the right funding path for your business?
Is angel investment the best route to fund my business? Or maybe a business loans is better for me?
From grants and loans to angel investment and equity finance, there are many routes to funding. For most businesses, it’s hard to figure out the best option.
Fuelling Innovation: Exploring funding options for growth, will give you the answers,
This interactive workshop brings together expert insight and real business experiences to help you navigate the funding landscape and determine the best route for your business.
Date: 1 July 2026
Location: Vulcan Works, Northampton
Time: 09:30 – 13:00
Book now: Fuel your growth: Find the right funding path | Semlep
Why attend:

Understand the difference between grants, loans, and equity investment
• Listen to businesses like you that have secured funding
• Connect with funding experts and support organisations
• Find out which funding option aligns with your business goals

What’s taking place:

Panel 1: Grants
Understand how grant funding can support innovation and growth
Panel 2: Loans
Explore lending options and what they mean for your business
Panel 3: Equity Investment
Learn how equity funding works and when it’s the right fit
Networking opportunities throughout
Connect with peers, experts, and potential collaborators

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your funding options and take the next step in your growth journey.
Book now: Fuel your growth: Find the right funding path | Semlep
This event is delivered by South Midlands Growth Hub, Barclays Eagle Labs, and the British Business Bank, and is part of this year’s Fuelling Innovation campaign in collaboration with the University of Northampton.

The SEO To-Do List That Fits on a Post-it Note
2026-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Think SEO requires a 40-page strategy document? Think again.
Join SEO consultant Nikki Pilkington for a practical, jargon-free session that focuses on three simple fixes that can make a genuine difference to how your website performs in search engines.
Using real-world examples and straightforward advice, Nikki will show you how to improve your website without getting lost in technical SEO or endless checklists. You’ll leave with practical actions you can implement immediately—and an SEO to-do list that genuinely fits on a Post-it note.
You’ll learn:

Three SEO improvements that have the biggest impact.
Common website mistakes that are holding businesses back.
Real examples of what works (and what doesn’t).
Simple actions you can implement straight away.
How to prioritise SEO without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, marketer or manage your own website, this session will help you focus on what really matters.
Find out more about Nikki Pilkington and her practical approach to SEO at Nikki Pilkington’s website.

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day July
2026-07-31 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day August
2026-08-28 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Brush Lettering for Beginners Workshop
2026-09-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
No perfect handwriting is required, no pressure… just a gentle evening of ink, paper and some quiet creativity.

If you’ve ever fancied trying modern calligraphy but don’t know where to start, this workshop is for you!
Join Katie from Bluebell Lettering for a Brush Lettering for Beginners Workshop.
No perfect handwriting is required, no pressure… just a gentle evening of ink, paper and some quiet creativity.
You will be guided through the basics of modern calligraphy using a brush pen… step by step… with plenty of time to practice, play and make something lovely to take home.
The workshop will cover:

How to hold and use a brush pen
The basic strokes which build the calligraphy alphabet
Forming lowercase and uppercase letters
Connecting letters to create words and phrases
Tips for improving consistency, spacing and style
Simple decorative flourishes and finishing touches

Equipment
Each workshop attendee will get a beautiful pack full of worksheets, alphabet guides and practice pages plus a Tombow dual brush pen to take home to continue your calligraphy journey!
About Katie
For more information please visit www.bluebelllettering.com or find Katie on Instagram @bluebell.lettering

Dedicated Desk Trial Day
2026-09-08 - 2026-09-10 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Curious about having a Dedicated Desk?

Join us at Vulcan Works for a free Dedicated Desk Trial Day on 8th, 9th, or 10th September and experience the benefits of having your own dedicated workspace.
Spend the day working from a fully equipped dedicated desk, enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, access to shared amenities, and connect with our vibrant community of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses.
Whether you’re looking for a more productive place to work or considering a permanent dedicated desk membership, this is the perfect opportunity to see what Vulcan Works has to offer.
Spaces are limited, so book your preferred trial day early.

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day September
2026-09-25 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Vulcan Works Networking Event
2026-09-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Rethinking Apprenticeships: A Smarter Way to Build Skills, Retain Talent and Grow Your Business
More information coming soon…

Vulcan Works Macmillan Coffee Morning
2026-09-25 11:00 - 14:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Vulcan Works will be hosting Macmillan Coffee Morning on the 25th September, 11:00am till everything has gone! It is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy some delicious treats and raise funds for a fantastic cause.
If you would like to get involved & bring something you have baked or bought please can you add a list of allergens and let us know so we can add you to the list of providers! 😊
Cash and card accepted – this is such a worthy cause & we would be so grateful if you could participate 😊

Cyber Security with Ai adoption, controls and pre-requisites.
2026-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
How do businesses unlock AI’s potential while keeping company data secure? Discover the guardrails and security controls you need.

Discover how to unlock the power of AI in your business—without compromising security.
Join EquiTech, Northamptonshire’s award-winning IT, Security & Automation as a Service specialists based at Vulcan Works, for an insightful session exploring how businesses can safely adopt AI to improve efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and drive productivity.
We’ll cover:

How businesses are successfully implementing AI
The cyber security controls and guardrails needed to protect your data
Common risks and how to avoid them
Practical automation opportunities using tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, Teams, Outlook and AI assistants like Copilot and Claude
How a structured framework can ensure AI adoption is secure, compliant and delivers measurable results

You’ll also learn how EquiTech’s Automation as a Service programme helps businesses implement automation and AI through a fully governed project framework, including process discovery, security assessments, stakeholder accountability and success metrics—all available through a flexible monthly subscription model rather than significant upfront investment.
Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to expand your existing capabilities, this session will give you the knowledge and confidence to adopt AI securely and effectively.

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day October
2026-10-30 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day November
2026-11-27 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom

Vulcan Works Free Hot Desking Day December
2026-12-18 08:30 - 17:00 | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
