Today, on World Entrepreneurs Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the bold thinkers and changemakers who are driving innovation and growth across West Northants. From space technology to composites and digital education, our region is home to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where ideas flourish and businesses thrive.

To mark the occasion, we spoke with just a few inspiring local entrepreneurs who shared their journeys, proudest moments, and why West Northants is the perfect place to build a business…

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

For Rob at TotalSim, entrepreneurship has been a long-term journey of persistence and vision. He says his proudest moment has been the opening of Catesby Tunnel as a world-class test facility—an achievement that took over a decade of steady progress.

Rob highlights the importance of local support, particularly from LEPs like NEP, SEMLEP, and BTVLEP, which have provided both funding and strategic advice throughout TotalSim’s growth.

“[They’ve] helped us a huge amount in our progress to date. Not just with funding but also with advice and support.”

West Northants offers a strategic advantage in Rob’s sector, thanks to its proximity to customers, suppliers, and collaborators. Events and networks like the Silverstone Technology Cluster and MIA’s CTS show have been especially valuable in bringing the right businesses together.

One word Rob would use to describe being an entrepreneur in West Northants is ‘Synergy’ and is advice to those thinking of following in his footsteps?

“Talk to the business support teams at the South Midlands Growth Hub, Silverstone Technology Cluster, the MIA and also the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. All of these will save you time and money, plus avoid you making mistakes.”

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Engineering Global Impact from Northamptonshire 

Chris, founder of Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd, has built a business that’s not only thriving locally but making waves internationally. His proudest moment? Receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and successfully guiding a technology startup through the “valley of death” to profitability.

“We’ve taken an early-stage technology startup through the ‘valley of death’ to form a successful profit-making business with blue chip customers across the globe. All from Northamptonshire!”

Chris chose West Northants for its outstanding infrastructure, availability of manufacturing space, and a rich ecosystem of advanced engineering businesses that complement his company’s core technologies. Support from local organisations has also been instrumental, along with active involvement in networks and partnerships.

“When we first arrived, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership were extremely effective at providing support and this has carried on through our contacts with West Northamptonshire Council. They are good at listening to the needs of businesses and are providing appropriate support. We are also actively involved in the Silverstone Technology Cluster which brings together Advanced Engineering businesses throughout the county and beyond.”

Looking ahead, Diamond Hard Surfaces is focused on continued growth and material innovation to deliver even greater value to customers. 

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Championing Wellbeing and Innovation

Phil Spokes from Spokes Education shared that his proudest achievement has been winning two workplace wellbeing awards—recognition that reflects his commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for his team!

“It’s extremely important to me to create an environment where the team feel supported and looked after, so the validation that we were doing things right was really nice. I also love seeing the team grow and develop, and I like the fact that we have been able to facilitate that opportunity for a number of people.” 

Phil’s journey has been shaped by strong local support, especially through Digital Northants, which provided valuable connections and guidance in the early stages. Local grant schemes have also played a role in helping the business grow and offer opportunities like graduate internships.

Specialising in solutions for non-profit and public sector organisations, Phil has carved out a niche by deeply understanding sector-specific challenges and offering responsive, personalised service. His latest venture, UnfoldEd, is a social business creating free interactive lessons for schools, funded by corporate sponsors aiming to enhance their Corporate Social Value.

Phil’s advise to budding entrepreneurs looking to enter the sector?

“Get as much hands-on experience as possible and learn how to use the industry standard authoring, creative and AI tools.”

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Turning the Impossible into Innovation

For Karen, the founder of XCAM, entrepreneurship began with a bold vision: to solve the problems others deemed “too hard.” Her journey started by identifying a gap between global needs and industry limitations—and choosing to tackle those challenges head-on.

“We were inspired by the idea that innovation happens when you tackle the problems others avoid—and we set out to build the systems and components that make the impossible possible.”

Karen’s proudest moment? Developing the world’s first rocket fairing contamination monitor, a groundbreaking technology soon to launch aboard an ESA Ariane 6 rocket! She says it’s a milestone that reflects the team’s ingenuity and persistence.

“Watching the incredible XCAM team achieve what had never been done before is both humbling and exhilarating.”

Local collaborations have played a key role in XCAM’s success. Partnerships with the Open University and ESA have opened doors to cutting-edge research and ambitious space missions, while the West Northants business community has provided vital networks and facilities to support growth.

Looking ahead, XCAM is focused on expanding its innovative imaging solutions and deepening collaborations with world-class institutions. While some exciting developments are still under wraps, the future promises a new chapter of technical breakthroughs…

Lastly, we asked Karen for one word to describe being an entrepreneur in West Northants. Her answer? Connected.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Building Dreams in the Heart of Motorsport

For Marcus, founder of Silverstone Composites, entrepreneurship has been about turning vision into reality. He says his proudest moment has been seeing his dream come to life through a thriving business built on passion and perseverance.

Marcus says that West Northants has been the perfect place to grow that dream, thanks to its strong network of likeminded businesses and a collaborative spirit that fuels innovation along with local Clusters and Networking committees that have helped him on his journey.

“[West Northants] has a vast amount of similar likeminded businesses that are all keen to support one another.”

He credits local events and networks for inspiring him and expanding his knowledge over the years. His advice to those starting out in the composites sector is grounded in humility and curiosity:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, always be willing to learn, no question is a stupid one—especially in your early years—and don’t be afraid to fail.”

Looking ahead, Silverstone Composites is focused on sustainable growth and R&D into suitability, aiming to develop new ideas that help the industry overcome challenges in composite manufacturing.