Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th August 2025

Northampton town centre busker praised for ‘infectious zeal’ and putting smiles on faces

A Northampton town centre busker has been praised for his “infectious zeal and friendliness”, as well as putting smiles on the faces of people who walk past. Lloyd Francis, known to many as Bim, has been busking on Abington Street and the Market Square since June and is quickly becoming a much-loved local legend.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th August 2025

Mother-of-three who moved to Australia is determined to make family memories after incurable diagnosis

A mother-of-three, who formerly lived in Northamptonshire and now resides in Australia, is determined to make happy family memories following her incurable diagnosis. It was in November 2017 when Kate Hardman was first diagnosed with breast cancer, eight months after she had given birth to her son.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th August 2025

Northampton woman celebrates decade since saving a life – which sparked passion for first aid training

A Northampton woman is celebrating a decade since she helped to save a man’s life, which sparked an even greater passion for first aid training and the use of defibrillators. It was in 2015 when Joanna Ranson and her team at the Mounts Baths Swimming Pool saved Michael Meaden’s life – and he is now a healthy 81-year-old.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th August 2025

Independent Northampton business celebrates nine years as founder says her ‘dream has come true’

An independent Northampton business recently celebrated its nine-year anniversary, and the founder is proud that her dream has come true and it continues to evolve. First launched in July 2016 by Jules Guy, Pamper My Poochie offers holistic dog spa and dental treatments, dog sitting, walking and their popular wedding chaperone service.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th August 2025

Sister blown away to triple fundraising goal for mental health charity in memory of ‘incredible’ brother

A sister is blown away to have raised triple what she set out to for a mental health charity through an event in memory of her “incredible” brother. Back in mid-July, Natalie Wood hosted a fundraiser for Northamptonshire Mind – with a barbecue, raffle, stalls and a rock choir performance for attendees to enjoy.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 14th August 2025

Meet the founder of Northampton’s leading hair extensions salon and global business with Dubai expansion

Meet the founder of Northampton’s leading hair extension specialist salon and global business which has undergone an expansion into Dubai in recent years. Lola Hair Extensions opened its salon and academy on Wellingborough Road in July 2023, after founder Georgia Baugh launched the business back in 2011 and it has since seen worldwide growth.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th August 2025

‘I visited Northampton’s new boutique wellness business at the heart of town – here’s what I thought’

I visited Northampton’s newest boutique wellness business at the heart of the town centre, and here is what I really thought of the addition to the much-loved St Giles’ Street. 360° Wellness Group is run by trio of business partners Kamil Rosinski, Claudiu Hoban and Slaw Bejm, and it opened to the public back in January.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th August 2025

Mother to take over Northants playgroup to prevent closure after founder stepped back after a decade

A mother is taking over a Northamptonshire playgroup to prevent its closure after the founder stepped back from the role after a decade of hard work. Julia Saph will run Denton Village Tots from September, which is a voluntary initiative offering the opportunity for children to play while parents and carers enjoy each other’s company.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th August 2025

Northampton basketball star, 17, has sights set on competing in the Olympics and WNBA

An ambitious basketball star from Northampton, aged 17, has set her sights on representing Great Britain in the Olympics and competing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Athena Thompson began playing basketball at the age of three and she knew from a very young age that her competitive spirit would help her succeed in the sporting world.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 12th August 2025

Tidy Our Town: Recycling bag instigator pleased to see successful rollout continues half-a-decade on

The instigator of clear recycling bags across West Northamptonshire is pleased to see the successful rollout continues half-a-decade on from its launch. John Bright, alongside fellow resident and member of Far Cotton and Delapre Community Council Jill Harris, worked hard to build a relationship with the former Northampton Borough Council (NBC).

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 12th August 2025

Don’t miss the next opportunity to explore Northampton’s history aboard prestigious heritage vehicle

Do not miss the next opportunity to explore Northampton’s history aboard a prestigious heritage vehicle, which includes a delicious afternoon tea. Country Lion offers guided tours of the town’s remarkable past, from its medieval roots to its industrial legacy.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 12th August 2025

Ambitious Northampton photographer nominated for business woman of the year and best new business

An ambitious photographer has been nominated for two prestigious national awards, and hopes to be named business woman of the year and best new business. Emma Colton, who launched Emma Annie Colton Photography in August 2023, offers warm and authentic brand portraiture for female founders, creative businesses and particularly those who are camera shy.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 11th August 2025

IN PICTURES: Community group for fathers with SEND children celebrates decade of positive impact

A community group for fathers and male carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) celebrated a decade of having a positive impact. SENDS 4 Dad was founded by Paul Meadows and the group has continued to push the important message that it is society that disables SEND children, and they need to be taught to appreciate themselves.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 11th August 2025

I speak to Northampton business owners everyday – here are three hidden gems you need to know about

I have the pleasure of speaking to the business owners of Northampton everyday, and here are three hidden gems that you need to know about. Having recently shared seven of my favourite independent businesses, now comes the time to share some hidden treasures that may not be on your radar.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 11th August 2025

Popular salon named best in county for third time leaving business owner ‘blown away’

A popular salon has been named the best in Northamptonshire for the third time, leaving the business owner “blown away” at her multi-award-winning success story. The Beauty Box, in Quarry Road, opened its Duston premises more than three years ago and recently scooped another prestigious accolade to add to those won in 2022 and 2024.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 8th August 2025

Northamptonshire man, 63, jailed for six years for child sex offences

A 63-year-old man has been jailed for more than six years after admitting sexual activity with a child. Martin Steele, of High Street North, Tiffield, admitted the offences, which also included a charge of sexual communication with a child, during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court in July.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 8th August 2025

Experienced hairdresser ‘honoured’ that vibrant Northampton salon was named best in the county

A highly experienced hairdresser of 17 years is “honoured” that her vibrant Northampton salon has been named the best across the entire county. 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 • 8th August 2025

Award-winning circus clown ends 11-year hiatus by performing stint at Billing Aquadrome

An award-winning circus clown is ending his 11-year hiatus by performing a five-week stint at Northampton’s Billing Aquadrome. Lloyd Reed has spent more than a decade out of the circus ring but is entertaining audiences once again this summer, with the goal of changing perceptions of clowns.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th August 2025

Meet the business owner of more than a decade behind Northamptonshire’s ‘best retailer’

Meet the well-renowned business owner of more than a decade who is the face of Northamptonshire’s “best retailer”. Binkys Boutique, a women’s clothing shop located in Weedon Depot, was founded by Charlotte Newton-Harris back in 2012.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th August 2025

Garden centre business which houses nearly 50 crafters looks forward to hosting unique events

A business which houses nearly 50 crafters at a Northampton garden centre looks forward to hosting two unique events throughout August. The Shack, which opened at Woodmeadow Garden Centre in March last year, was founded by Karen Akhtar – who wanted to give independent crafters the opportunity to rent a space and sell their goods.