Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th July 2025

Long-standing dance and theatre school represented England on world stage and took top spot

A long-standing dance and theatre school in Northampton recently represented England on the world stage and took the top spot. Top Hat Dance & Theatre School competed in the Dance World Cup in Spain earlier this month and won in the ‘mini jazz large group’ category.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th July 2025

Amazing start for wellness centre offering pilates, yoga and sauna as it is more than halfway to full capacity

It has been an amazing start for a wellness centre at the heart of Northampton town centre, as it is more than halfway to being at its full capacity of members. 360° Wellness Group is run by trio of business partners Kamil Rosinski, Claudiu Hoban and Slaw Bejm, and it opened to the public in St Giles’ Street in January.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th July 2025

Booming business shares reasons for moving to popular shopping centre after trebling income

A booming business has shared its reasons for moving to a popular Northampton shopping centre, after trebling its income over the past three years in its historic current location. Potz Ceramic Studio, which is currently located in Billing Garden Village, is a family-friendly environment for people of all ages and abilities with a desire to paint pottery.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th July 2025

Business owner says ‘heartwarming’ support has lifted team up following two burglaries in seven weeks

A business owner says “heartwarming” support from the Northampton community has “lifted them out of a dark place” following two burglaries in seven weeks earlier this year. St Giles Cheese was launched by Steve and Caroline Ward back in 2010 following a holiday to France, where they enjoyed all the products they are now accustomed to selling to the community.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th July 2025

20-year-old baker remains confident that tearoom takeover was the right decision just a year into career

A 20-year-old baker remains confident that taking over Holdenby House’s tearoom was the right decision – despite it having been just a year since she made a career switch and launched her business in Northamptonshire. Millie Pates launched Millie’s Bakery in March last year and she can often be found at local markets, as well as fulfilling orders for delivery and collection.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th July 2025

Hotel manager switches focus from meals to functions as goal of becoming ‘boutique’ offering remains

A hotel manager has switched her focus from welcoming visitors for meals to functions, as her sights still remain firmly on becoming a “boutique” offering in Northampton. Rodica Balaci took over The Plough Hotel in Bridge Street at the start of November 2021, and it was bought by its current owner back in 1991.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd July 2025

Mother-of-two launches creative pop-up playgroup with plans to expand across all of Northamptonshire

A mother-of-two recently launched a creative pop-up playgroup for young children and their families, with plans to expand across all of Northamptonshire in the near future. The Little Play Pantry, which offers thoughtfully curated, role play based sessions which encourage imagination, learning and confidence, was founded by Hannah Woods.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd July 2025

Wellness business owner ‘very busy’ despite saying goodbye to shop at the heart of Northampton

The owner of a wellness business says she has remained “very busy” since saying goodbye to her shop at the heart of Northampton and taking the leap to go mobile. Love Your Presence operated as a holistic gift shop and wellness studio in St Leonard’s Road from June 2023 until January this year, with the aim of helping people become their best selves.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd July 2025

Multi-award-winning artisan ice cream business pleased to return to pre-pandemic focus on events

The founder of a multi-award-winning artisan ice cream business is pleased to return to her focus on weddings and events, which was her initial aim when she launched pre-pandemic. Jo Rutherford founded Your Cool in late 2019, after many years as a thought in the back of her mind.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd July 2025

‘Exciting’ progress for ‘timeless’ school securing bookings as exclusive wedding and events venue

There has been “exciting” progress made for a “timeless” school location in Northamptonshire, which diversified as an exclusive wedding and events venue earlier this year. Pitsford Hall, located in Moulton Road, previously hosted ceremonies for members of staff and the team decided February was the right time to open this up to the public.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd July 2025

Meet the experienced hairdresser with vibrant salon front and centre in this busy area of Northampton

Meet the highly experienced hairdresser of 16 years with a vibrant salon front and centre in a busy area of Northampton. Demi Leigh Cadd is the founder of Demini Salon in Harborough Road, surrounded by other businesses in the hustle and bustle of Kingsthorpe front.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st July 2025

Immersive experience venue based on popular game is set to arrive in Northampton in early 2026

An immersive experience venue aimed at fans of a popular game is set to arrive in Northampton in early 2026. Brothers Jason and Jon Leighton hope to introduce Dungeons & Dragons themed business ‘Tabletop and Tankards’ in January next year, which will give gamers a reason to travel to the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st July 2025

Business owner and nurse who launched county’s ‘first head spa experience’ remains ‘so busy’ after expansion

The business owner and nurse who launched “Northamptonshire’s first head spa experience” remains “so busy” after continuing to expand the treatments she offers. Lauren Morrison founded The Skin Haus Clinic at the end of 2023, with an initial range of facial and aesthetic treatments.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st July 2025

‘Vital’ charity calls on community to support journey to £150,000 of fundraising for building purchase

A “vital” charity has called on the community to support its journey to raise the final £150,000 needed to purchase its building. The Doddridge Centre in St James, which operates two venues, hosts a variety of community engagement events – as well as supporting people with hot drinks, breakfasts and a warm space to utilise.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th July 2025

Meet the esteemed wedding dress designer who has run Northampton bridal boutique for 30 years

Meet this esteemed wedding dress designer, who has successfully run her bridal boutique for more than three decades in Northampton. Donna Salado has been designing wedding dresses since 1987 and established her shop in Abington Grove around four years later in 1991.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th July 2025

Business of four decades believes ‘quality’ is what sets them apart at the heart of Northampton town centre

The owner of a successful business of more than four decades, located at the heart of Northampton town centre, believes “quality” is what sets them apart. Saint Gyles Jewellers opened in St Giles’ Street 43 years ago, and business owner Kathryn Ozlati has been involved from the very beginning.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th July 2025

Owner urges ‘use it or lose it’ after falling out of love and closing down business of seven years

A former business owner has urged the community to “use it or lose it” after falling out of love and closing down her venture following seven years of hard work. Kym Curtis found success in giving old furniture a new lease of life and launched My House on the Hill in Brackley.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th July 2025

Tidy Our Town: ‘Using recycling bags over boxes has already reduced litter levels in our hotspot area’

West Northamptonshire is in the midst of a time of change, and I will continue to hold my breath as to what can be done to minimise littering and fly tipping and support the work of volunteers. It was more than two months ago when Reform took over the running of West Northamptonshire Council, and our most recent Tidy Our Town story saw a Northants Litter Womble share his first impressions of the new administration.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th July 2025

Northampton butcher proud to double the size of premises to create ‘one stop farmshop’

A Northampton butcher is proud to have doubled the size of his premises to create a “one stop farmshop” for the community to enjoy. Anthony Barton founded The Butchers Block, located at Billing Garden Village, back in 2013 and recently expanded his business to house a butchers, deli and farmshop under one roof.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th July 2025

Meet the founder of a community for young entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire and beyond

Meet the founder of a community for young entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire and beyond, who is on a mission to offer support to like-minded individuals. Alex Meazzini is the creator of Founders & Friends, an exclusive founder community for those in their twenties and thirties which launched in January 2024.