Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd August 2026

Founder of new home-based Northamptonshire micro bakery is aiming for weekly sell outs as venture grows

The founder of a new home-based micro bakery in Northamptonshire is hoping to begin consistently selling out on a weekly basis as the venture continues to grow in popularity. Sweet and Sourdough is the brainchild of Hélène Cotter, which she launched in Mears Ashby after being made redundant from Workbridge after four years – where she led the food and health hub and delivered sourdough workshops.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd August 2026

I visited Whittlebury Park to enjoy their scrumptious summer afternoon tea – don’t miss out on your chance to indulge

I visited Whittlebury Park to enjoy their scrumptious summer afternoon tea, and you don’t want to miss out on your chance to indulge before it comes to an end this month. Whittlebury Park is an award-winning four-star hotel, spa, golf resort and conference venue located in South Northamptonshire, near the historic Whittlewood Forest and adjacent to Silverstone Circuit.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd August 2026

Northampton’s first jacket potato business offering home-cooked comfort food now has van up and running

Northampton’s first jacket potato business offering home-cooked comfort food now has its first food van up and running, which is already being booked up for events across the county and beyond. Danial Vahidi is the founder of Don’t Forget Your Jacket, which launched in October 2025 and began by operating from premises on the corner of Hood Street and Colwyn Road.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd August 2026

Four crews attended garden fire believed to have started accidentally due to out of control bonfire in Northampton

Four crews attended a garden fire believed to have started accidentally due to a bonfire that got out of control on a residential street in Northampton. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service told this newspaper that at around 7.30pm on August 2 they were called to reports of a fire on Hood Street.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st July 2026

Renowned independent travel agency prepares to celebrate ‘absolutely crazy’ 20-year milestone in Northampton

A renowned independent travel agency is preparing to celebrate its 20-year milestone in Northampton in 2027, which the founder says is “absolutely crazy”. Footsteps Travel, which has been located at its current premises on Harborough Road since October 2023, offers escorted coach day trips and holidays with pick ups nearby from The Cock Inn.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st July 2026

Meet the former Workbridge employee leading the charge for its relaunch to continue vital service across Northants

Meet the former Workbridge employee who is leading the charge in its relaunch to continue offering the vital service across Northamptonshire. Workbridge was formerly based in Bedford Road and was established more than 40 years ago to provide vocational opportunities for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, autism or brain injury.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 31st July 2026

New coffee shop owners hit the ground running and admit they never imagined themselves in this position

The new owners of a coffee shop in Northampton have hit the ground running over the first three months, after they admitted they never imagined they would be in this position. Partners Jason Kelly and Marcus Middleton are the faces behind The Coffee Press on Harlestone Road, and they have worked hard to create a welcoming and community-focused space that offers great coffee, fresh food and somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time.

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.