Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

Hottest street food pop-up returns to popular Northants garden centre this month – here’s all you need to know

The hottest street food pop-up is returning to a popular Northamptonshire garden centre this month, and here is everything you need to know ahead of the esteemed event. The classic edition of Bite Street NN is returning to Bell Plantation Garden Centre in Watling Street, Towcester, as it takes up its residency there for the second half of summer from July until the end of September.
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