Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st December 2025

Weston Favell Shopping Centre celebrates ‘absolutely fantastic’ year with 4.5% increase in customer visits

Weston Favell Shopping Centre is celebrating an “absolutely fantastic” 2025 and they are pleased to be 4.5 percent up on customer visits compared to last year. The centre celebrated its 50th anniversary in October last year and has continued on an upward trajectory ever since.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st December 2025

January silence is louder than December noise for businesses – here’s why you should support in early 2026

The quiet months of a new year make a bigger difference to businesses than the busy festive period, so here’s why you should show your support in early 2026. With Christmas out of the way and the new year looming, it is easy to spend January inside after going above and beyond to make the big day as special as possible.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st December 2025

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the 8 best rated bakeries across Northampton, according to Google Reviews

Take a look at the eight best rated bakeries across Northampton, according to Google Reviews. You might be sick of the sight of food after indulging over Christmas but on the off chance you want to pay a visit to one of the town’s best rated bakeries, we have you covered.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th December 2025

Iconic barn wedding venue approaches 25-year milestone with special competition for engaged couples

An iconic barn wedding venue in Northamptonshire is fast approaching its 25-year milestone and is marking the occasion with a special competition for engaged couples. Brampton Grange Estate, an exclusive-use and award-winning wedding venue with accommodation, is situated between Church and Chapel Brampton and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th December 2025

Family-run wellness destination celebrates welcoming 5,000 visitors and the launch of new retreat

A family-run wellness destination in Northamptonshire has celebrated welcoming 5,000 visitors, amidst the launch of a new retreat for people across the county and beyond. SUKU Saunas, a Scandinavian-inspired sauna set on Pury Hill Farm just outside of Towcester, began as an invitation to slow down in nature in May 2024 – and has grown into one of the county’s most-loved wellness spots.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th December 2025

I’ve spoken to hundreds of business owners during 2025 – here’s the most common thing they love about what they do

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to hundreds of business owners across Northampton throughout 2025, and here is the most common thing they love most about what they do. 2026 is now just days away, and November and December provide the perfect opportunity for founders and business owners to reflect on what a year they have had.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th December 2025

I ate my Christmas dinner at an award-winning Indian restaurant for a second year – here’s how it compared

I ate my Christmas Day dinner at an award-winning Indian restaurant in Northampton for a second consecutive year, and here’s how it stacked up compared to December 2024. Tamarind Restaurant, which serves traditional Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine in Wellingborough Road, was launched by Tipu Rahman in 2004.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th December 2025

‘Up-and-coming talent’ is proud of the progress made in less than a year with barbering in Northampton

A 22-year-old, who believes he is “up-and-coming talent” in the barbering industry across Northampton, is proud of the progress he has made in less than a year. Farhan Uddin first spoke to the Chronicle & Echo in June, when he wanted to share the message that not all young people are causing trouble and he is among those chasing their dreams.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th December 2025

Tidy Our Town: Resident condemns ‘unimaginable’ litter and fly tips as she hopes for 2026 improvement

A resident has condemned the “unimaginable” state of her area, which is covered in litter and fly tips, and hopes for vast improvements to be made in 2026. Helene Kluger-Langer, who has been a regular contributor to the Tidy Our Town campaign throughout this year, has lived in Vernon Walk for more than 40 years.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Resident slams Northampton’s ‘graffiti epidemic’ as discouraging visitors and investment

A resident has slammed Northampton’s “graffiti epidemic” as discouraging people from visiting and investing in the town because of the negative message it sends. Mark Watson moved to Northampton around three years ago, and is a resident and Parish Councillor in Upton and a committee member for the Northants Litter Wombles.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Daughter of former Strictly star and rugby player, aged just 9, reaches new heights as double national champion

The daughter of a former Strictly Come Dancing star and a rugby player, aged just nine, has reached new heights as she is now a double national champion. Mila Cohen, whose parents are Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen, kickstarted her competition success last year when she was named one of the ‘juvenile soloists of the year’ in the under 12s category at the Le Classique Industry Awards.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Father-of-two turns fundraising efforts to autism support group close to his heart in Northampton

A father-of-two has turned his fundraising efforts towards an autism support group which is close to his heart in Northampton. Piotr Maciaszek, who is a proud dad to Emily and Simon, has completed a few skydives since the summer of 2022 to fundraise for SENDS 4 Dad and The Frank Bruno Foundation.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Mixed response to ‘easy target’ proposals for Northampton town centre parking rises – which could scrap free two weekend hours

There has been a mixed response to proposals to increase car parking prices in Northampton town centre, which could also scrap the two hours free on weekends for a £3 day rate. Proposals for Northampton town centre, as well as scrapping free parking in Daventry and Towcester town centres, will be discussed by West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet on Monday, December 22.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Much-loved Northampton business crowned county winner at the National Bakery Awards 2025

A much-loved business was recently crowned the county winner for Northamptonshire at the National Bakery Awards 2025. Magee Street Bakery, located in Derby Road, was first opened in January 2015 by Tom and Maddie who sold it to Elliot and Alfie after a year-and-a-half.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Award-winning dog care business says it is ‘especially important’ to support independents in 2026

An award-winning dog care business in Northampton says it is “especially important” to support independents as we wave goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026. Teddy’s Dog Care, in Newport Pagnell Road, was founded by Michelle Wilson in 2010 after she adopted her pug Teddy – who inspired her to expand her love and care to more dogs across the county.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

‘I asked five Northampton founders what they wish they had known before starting a business – their honesty surprised me’

I asked five Northampton founders what they wish they had known before starting a business, and their insightful responses speak for themselves. Our county is full to the brim with innovative independent businesses, and many of them go on a journey of evolution from when they start to where they are now.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

Tidy Our Town: How far has Northampton come in tackling the littering and fly tipping epidemic in 2025?

As 2025 draws to a close, we are reflecting on how far Northampton has come in tackling the littering and fly tipping epidemic over the past 12 months – and what needs to be done to make further progress in 2026. This newspaper’s Tidy Our Town campaign launched in collaboration with the Northants Litter Wombles in February 2024, with the aim of raising awareness of the drastic change needed for the greater good of Northampton and celebrating those fighting to make it happen.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

Take a look at the 15 best restaurants across Northampton in 2025, according to Google Reviews

As we approach 2026, take a look at which 15 restaurants are currently the best rated across Northampton according to Google Reviews. It is the perfect season to spend time with loved ones, so why not visit one of these popular venues that have already been tried and tested by your fellow residents?

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the businesses that sadly CLOSED DOWN in 2025 across Northampton

Take a look at the businesses that sadly closed down for good across Northampton throughout 2025. Thankfully there were more openings than closures in our town over the past 12 months, which is a promising pattern for the town’s business community.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the businesses that excitingly OPENED across Northampton in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, let’s take a look back on the businesses that have opened their doors across Northampton this year. While some of these were brand new additions, others moved to different locations and left behind where they previously traded in the town.