NLive Radio, Northampton’s local radio station, is proud to announce it has been shortlisted for Community Business of the Year at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2026.
The shortlisting recognises a transformational year in 2025 for the station, marked by outstanding community impact, expanded partnerships and meaningful support for people across Northamptonshire.
Rebecca Steers, Station Manager, said:
“We are honoured to be shortlisted. This recognition reflects the hard work of our incredible team, our volunteers, our partners and the community we proudly serve. NLive Radio exists to make a positive difference, and this year has shown what can be achieved when a station and its community work together.”
Over the past 12 months, NLive Radio has delivered its biggest and most wide reaching community initiatives to date. The station’s Christmas Present Appeal provided over 2,000 gifts, valued at more than £10,000, to children, families and vulnerable individuals who may not otherwise have received a present during the festive season.
NLive Radio also strengthened Northampton’s voluntary and charity sectors by conducting more than 550 interviews with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations. This work created a social impact value of more than £21,000, raising awareness of essential services and amplifying the voices of those supporting the town.
The station launched the Northampton Volunteer Fair in the town’s market square, connecting residents with local charities and inspiring more people to get involved in community action. Additionally, NLive Radio attended and supported more community events than ever, including Diwali, Pride, St George’s Day, Oak Apple Day and Northamptonshire Day, celebrating the cultural diversity of the area.
NLive Radio also continues to strengthen its broadcast output, delivering around a 100 hours a week of original local programming, more than any other station that serves the whole community of Northampton.
The schedule reflects the people, stories and culture of Northampton, including Amanda Hollingsworth‑Ellery, who hosts the weekday Breakfast Show and presents the LGBTQ+ programme Prideful Northampton. Mid‑mornings which are home to Undiscovered Northampton, where local organisations, arts groups and community champions share their stories presented by Paul Brennecke.
The station’s afternoon programming includes Leigh Jamison’s Golden Hour and John Leivers’ Afternoon Delight, while experienced broadcaster John Griff joined the station last year to bring his decades of expertise to the station on Drivetime on Monday and Tuesdays.
NLive Radio has also expanded its specialist content with shows such as Now That’s What I Call Heritage, hosted by historian Mike Curtis, celebrating the rich history of Northamptonshire, and most recently revamped its local business show Open4Business moving to Wednesday nights and with Simon Cox as full time presenter. Together, these programmes form one of the most diverse and community‑centred radio schedules in the area.
This has also been a year of national recognition. NLive Radio won Gold at the Community Radio Awards for its elections coverage, which saw Journalism students from the University of Northampton presenting and reporting on the historic Reform UK win at West Northamptonshire Council. The station also secured the BBC Local Democracy Reporter contract, expanding trusted journalism and increasing public scrutiny of local government.
