In the tough economic climate that is affecting the whole country, we need people to know about what Northampton has to offer so that businesses looking to invest see the town as an attractive prospect.
www.lovenorthampton.co.uk is the new, joint website where people can find out about Northampton's heritage, culture, sports, theatre, events, shops, music, leisure and learning.
Instead of all the agencies and organisations doing their own thing, we've come together - business, sport, public and private - to make sure people know that there's a lot going on in Northampton.
The website is also a platform for local businesses to make offers and reach out to people, giving them reasons to come and spend time here and ensuring they won't miss a thing.
Already involved in LoveNorthampton are Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, Northampton Town Centre BID, Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Saints, Royal & Derngate, Northampton Town Football Club, Northants County Cricket Club, Northampton Leisure Trust - and many businesses and individuals. Valentine's Day is just the start, and www.lovenorthampton.co.uk will grow and develop as more and more businesses and organisations come on board.
The partners behind LoveNorthampton can already reach out to almost 100,000 people and tell them what's going on in the town and we hope that number will grow and grow.
The website is launched with 14 offers from local businesses, and the chance to win tickets for the Saints v Wasps by following the Twitter feed @LoveNorthampton.
www.lovenorthampton.co.uk will also contain all the information on the big ticket's of 2012, the town's special Olympic and Jubilee events, the summertime Safari trail and the blossoms of Britain in Bloom - it makes sense for all the information of what's good and what's on to be in one place.
"As a club that has been a part of the town's community for over 130 years we are delighted to Love Northampton and to support all of the efforts that are being made to bring more people into the town," said Saints vice-chairman Tony Hewitt. "Northampton is a town that has a long history and plenty to offer in all areas, not just sport but in terms of heritage, the arts and entertainment. I'd urge everyone who cares about the town to get behind the Love Northampton initiative."
