Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Founder – whose Northamptonshire business was born from resilience and turning pain into purpose – celebrates ‘incredible’ year

A founder, whose business was born from lived experience, resilience and turning pain into purpose, is celebrating an “incredible journey” so far in 2026. Ria Farmer, the founder of Rainbow Ri Holistic Health Coach at The Old Vicarage in Flore, was made redundant after 23 years with the same employer and has navigated significant health challenges for most of her life – including severe endometriosis.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Defence says ‘truth of the case will reveal itself’ as jury urged to approach prosecution with ‘real caution’

The defence says the “truth of the case will reveal itself” when the jury retires to examine the evidence closely and reach their verdicts, as they are urged to approach the prosecution’s case with “real caution”. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

REVEALED: First finalists in prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27

The first load of finalists in the prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27 have been revealed. This year’s entries for College Student, Artisan Local Product, Artisan Vegetarian/Vegan Product, and Artisan Local Drink showcase emerging talent, creativity and craftsmanship that continue to define the county’s innovative food and drink scene.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

From Northampton to worldwide: Footwear brand celebrates decade of combining British design with Italian craftsmanship

A Northampton-based footwear brand is celebrating a decade of combining British design with Italian craftsmanship and serving customers all over the world. Founded by Taro Gibbs and Adam Bugla, Thomas Bird Shoes has grown from a small venture to an internationally recognised premium footwear brand – with the United States now being its largest export market.
Northampton Chronicle and Echo •

Two businesses have announced closures in Northants market town this month – independents need your support

Two businesses have sadly announced their upcoming closures in a Northamptonshire market town this month, and this emphasises that independents need your support now more than ever. It was only recently that I published a story on how Towcester is thriving, with the majority of shop fronts open for business and three hours of free parking available to visitors.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Robert Brown suffered blood loss from fatal arm wound in ‘tragic accident’ on bench next to River Nene, inquest hears

Fifty-seven-year-old Robert Brown suffered acute blood loss from a fatal arm wound in a tragic accident on a bench next to the River Nene and his death has been ruled accidental, an inquest heard. Mr Brown was found dead by the River Nene, behind Auctioneers Court, at around 6.30am on August 1, 2025 and a murder investigation was launched by Northamptonshire Police.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: Defence evidence concludes as jury hears Kim say ‘every piece of hope is gone’ months before death

The defence concluded its case on Wednesday (June 24) as the six-week trial begins to draw to a close, and the jury heard Kim say “every piece of hope is gone” months before her death. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Michael Thompson: More than 550 hours of recordings recovered from murder accused’s devices, court heard

More than 550 hours of recordings were recovered from the murder accused’s devices including 108 recordings of three or more hours, the court heard. Fifty-six-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Founder made life-changing decision to walk away from successful career to launch luxury dog grooming brand

This founder made the life-changing decision to walk away from a highly successful corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry to launch a luxury dog grooming brand. 50-year-old Nina Kaloti, from Wootton Fields, was inspired by her husky Theodore to start the business – and the irony is that she used to be afraid of dogs and never imagined one would change her outlook on life.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo •

Northampton florist encourages support as it is ‘a constant struggle’ to get people to know where she is

The founder of a long-standing florist is encouraging support from the Northampton community as it is “a constant struggle” to get people to know where she is. Michelle Coleman opened Cottonbuds Florists on St Leonard’s Road in 2010, before making the move to the nearby Haines Road last year after her previous rent rose to an unsustainable level.
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