The Northamptonshire economy is continuing to thrive but skills remain the hottest topic under discussion by local business, it was confirmed at the first Northampton College Skills Summit this week.

A group of companies met at the College to discuss the latest economic picture following presentations from accountants Grant Thornton, Barclays, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce.

Business heard that Northamptonshire Limited' is getting stronger with the Top 100 privately owned businesses reporting growth of nearly 9% over the last year. New job opportunities have also increased with an 11% boost to the workforces of these pivotal companies that represent the engine of the local economy.