Kettering is a town in Northamptonshire on the River Ise.
The town’s economy was originally built on the shoe trade. It was in the 19th century that other businesses grew in the town such as engineering and the clothing trade. Aquascutum built their first factory in Kettering back in 1909. Nowadays the economy is based on the service and distribution industries partly due to the good transport links from town.
Planning is expected for Kettering to have about 13,000 new homes by 2021 and this will increase the population and homes by about 33%. Plans are already underway for new jobs, business centres, schools and large parkland.
A large regeneration is planned for the town centre and will include shops, leisure facilities, street furniture with sculptures, trees and a new pavement lighting system.
Kettering has good transport links being on the Midland Main Line and many of its residents commute daily. It is on the A14 midway between the M1 motorway and the Al major road.
The town’s unemployment figures are some of the lowest in the UK. Some of the largest employers in the town include Weetabix, Timsons, Pegasus Software and Morrisons Distribution.
Wickstead Park the UK’s oldest theme park also contributes to the town’s economy by receiving 1,500,000 visitors each season.
Many of the parks attractions have been designed and built by Wicksteads own engineering company. There is no entry fee but wristbands can be brought for unlimited rides for the day or tickets can be purchased for each ride. The children’s playground is free and is one of the largest in Europe.
A wind farm has been constructed at Burton Wold just off the A14. The ten turbines produce enough electricity to serve 10,000 homes that is equivalent to a quarter of Kettering’s households.
Property for rent is always available in Kettering with prices averaging £440pcm for a l bed flat, £510pcm for a 2 bed flat, £485pcm for a 2 bed house, £625pcm for a 3 bed house and £950pcm for a 4 bed house.
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