Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th July 2026

Northamptonshire’s best small business from last year impressively makes final in two award categories once again

The small business named the county’s best last year impressively made the final in two award categories at the same ceremony in 2026, as the venture continues to go from strength to strength. Carly Batty founded CBrownies in April 2020, when she could not carry out her day job as a hairdresser during the pandemic and decided to embrace her passion for baking.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th July 2026

Family-run visitor attraction blending hospitality, retail and history celebrates prestigious special recognition award

A family-run visitor attraction blending hospitality, retail and history is celebrating its special recognition at the prestigious Northants Life Awards 2026. Jeyes of Earls Barton, located on The Square, is at the heart of the village in the shadow of one of England’s finest Anglo-Saxon towers.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th July 2026

Founder of Northamptonshire's best wellness business says it ‘still doesn’t feel real’ to be leading the way

The founder of the county’s best wellness business says it “still doesn’t feel real” to have won and be leading the way in her sector. Healing Muscles & Co was founded by Kylie Mellors in October 2022 and she has since helped people relieve their stress, pain and muscle problems through massage and skin treatments.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th July 2026

Looking for the best day out in Northamptonshire? This in-demand highland cow experience took top spot

Are you looking for the best day out in Northamptonshire? This in-demand highland cow experience and afternoon tea combo on a family-run farm recently scooped the top spot. Colready Highlands Farm has proudly been in the Deeley family for more than 100 years and it was during the pandemic when Joanna and her son Thomas Dyer took over.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th July 2026

Popular salon named best in county for third consecutive year as business owner ‘couldn’t be happier’

A popular salon has been named the best in the county for the third consecutive year and fourth time in total, as the business owner says she “couldn’t be happier”. The Beauty Box, in Quarry Road, opened its Duston premises more than four years ago and founder Rebecca Kelsey achieved her dream of opening a salon by the time she was 30.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th July 2026

Popular village bakery owner shouts out ‘best’ team after scooping best food and drink producer title in Northants

The owner of a popular village bakery took to social media to shout out the “best” team after scooping top spot to be named the best food and drink producer in Northamptonshire. Duston Village Bakery on Main Road is adored by loyal customers and impressively celebrated its centenary anniversary in June 2025, when the community arrived in their hundreds to show their support.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th July 2026

Meet the county’s 21 best businesses crowned at 2026’s prestigious Northants Life Awards

Meet the county’s 21 best businesses who were crowned at the prestigious Northants Life Awards 2026 earlier this month. Now in its fourth year, the ceremony is an annual celebration of the best of Northamptonshire – recognising the businesses, individuals and venues that make the county a special place to live, work and visit.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th July 2026

Doors now open to Northamptonshire’s new rural co-working and office space in idyllic countryside

The doors are now open to Northamptonshire's new rural co-working and office space set in an idyllic countryside location. George and Josh Taylor are the brothers behind countryside retreat The Shire, and they reimagined their family’s former dairy farm into a space designed for authentic connection, relaxation and escapism.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th July 2026

Meet Northamptonshire’s best small business as voted by you – and founder was left ‘speechless’ by the win

Meet Northamptonshire’s best small business as voted for by the community, and the founder says she was left “uncharacteristically speechless” by the award win. Silver jewellery maker Steph Davies founded the multi-award-winning Scruffy Dog Silver in 2011, and was named best jeweller in the county for two consecutive years at the Northants Life Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th July 2026

Three popular events to return to iconic Northampton venue’s dancefloor this autumn – don’t miss out

These three popular events are set to return to an iconic Northampton venue’s dancefloor this autumn, and you do not want to miss out. Boombastic Events was launched by John and Katie Donaghue in October 2014 and the business offers experiences that are inclusive for people of all ages to come along and enjoy themselves.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th July 2026

Charity event spotlighting the reality for people with cancer raises whopping £3,000 for worthy Northampton cause

A charity event, with the aim of spotlighting the reality for people with cancer, has raised a whopping £3,000 for a worthy Northampton cause. Runway of Resilience was organised by 57-year-old Hayley Brand on July 12 and the £3,098.78 total will make a world of difference to recipient The Lewis Foundation.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th July 2026

Meet the founder of innovative interior design business in Northamptonshire that leads with scent to evoke memories

Meet the founder of an innovative interior design business in Northamptonshire, which leads with scent to evoke memories and feelings for her clients. Leanne Bone is the owner of Arden Grace Interiors in Daventry, which she launched in January 2025. Alongside the visual element of her work, Leanne incorporates scent selection within her designs and there is a choice of more than 1,000.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th July 2026

Passionate customer says this Northants restaurant is ‘definition of a hidden gem’ and deserves more support

A passionate customer of this Northamptonshire restaurant says it is the “definition of a hidden gem” and deserves more support before it is too late. Saffrons Kitchen & Bar is an independent Indian restaurant based in Watford village, which has built an incredible reputation through online reviews since it opened 15 months ago.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th July 2026

Family-run business celebrates first year open in Northampton and expands with second county location

A family-run business is celebrating its first year open and has expanded with another location further afield in the county, in what is hoped to be the second of many branches. Shaan, located at 187 Kettering Road, is an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant which the team says has become a firm favourite for locals since opening in July 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th July 2026

Meet the founder who took the leap to launch private dining venture in Northamptonshire following four-month hospital stint

Meet the founder who took the leap to launch her private dining venture, after a four-month hospital stay gave her the push she needed to start something of her own. Georgina Williams, from Towcester, is the mastermind behind Gs Private Dining and she is elated to have been shortlisted in the female entrepreneur of the year category at the UK Small Business Awards.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th July 2026

Michael Thompson commits ‘ultimate act of cowardice’ says judge as murderer did not come to dock to be sentenced

A 56-year-old Northampton man, who was found guilty of murdering and raping his estranged wife Kimberley Bounds in their family home has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years. The judge described Michael Thompson as committing the “ultimate act of cowardice”, as the murderer and rapist did not come to the dock to be sentenced and hear the victim impact statements from those grieving the loss of Kimberley Bounds.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th July 2026

Kimberley Bounds’ family pay emotional tributes to ‘kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend’ as killer jailed for 33 years

The family of Kimberley Bounds has paid tribute to her as the “kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend”, as her murder and rapist was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 33 years. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, must spend this minimum term behind bars before being considered for parole and he has been added to the sex offender’s register for life.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th July 2026

Michael Thompson: Kimberley Bounds’ murderer and rapist to serve life in prison with minimum term of 33 years

A 56-year-old Northampton man, who was found guilty of murdering and raping his estranged wife Kimberley Bounds in their family home has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, was found guilty on July 8 of all four charges against him after standing trial for six weeks at Nottingham Crown Court.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th July 2026

Don’t miss this super sweet family event at popular play cafe in Northamptonshire later this month

Don’t miss the two opportunities to attend this super sweet family event at a popular play cafe in Northamptonshire later this month. Jaime Elderton is the founder of The Storybook Play Cafe in Bishops Court, Daventry, which she launched after selling her former business specialising in pop-up events for pre-loved children’s clothing.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th July 2026

Here’s your chance to meet the makers behind business at Northampton garden centre that houses 50 crafters

Here’s your chance to meet the makers behind the business at a Northampton garden centre that impressively houses nearly 50 independent crafters under one roof. The Shack, which opened at Woodmeadow Garden Centre in March 2024, began with 31 traders and has continued to increase its capacity.