Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th March 2026

Cafe and brunch business now open in former Caffe Nero site in prime Northampton town centre spot

A family-run cafe and brunch business is now open in the former Caffe Nero building in a prime Northampton town centre spot. Caffe Nero was open at the junction of Abington Street and Dychurch Lane for 15 years until it closed in September 2020.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th March 2026

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the sweet treat sheds now open across Northampton off the back of viral trend

Take a look at the sweet treat sheds now open across Northampton, launched off the back of their popularity up and down the country due to virality on social media. These businesses have put trust in their customers through this concept which relies on honesty, with visitors left to their own devices as the sheds are located on driveways or outside homes.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th March 2026

We Mean Business: Demand continues to grow following first six months for this Northamptonshire business facing ‘nightmare’ costs

The demand continues to grow for this new Northamptonshire independent following its first six months in business, as the owner shares her concern over “nightmare” costs. Launched at the start of February, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th March 2026

Luxury and cruelty-free candle business celebrates a year of first bricks and mortar store in Northampton

The founder of a luxury and cruelty-free candle business has celebrated a year since establishing her first bricks and mortar store in Northampton. Lyss & Vay Candle Co. was launched in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 by Janene Francis, who had worked in the corporate property industry for around two decades prior to then.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th March 2026

Meet the mother-to-be who took the leap to launch jacket potato and loaded fries food van in Northampton

Meet the mother-to-be who has taken the leap to launch a jacket potato and loaded fries food van in Northampton, as a means to support her growing family. Erin Burdon is the founder and owner of Loaded & Baked, which she runs with the support of her sister Alisha, and the venture opened for the first time on January 5.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th March 2026

I’ve lived in Northampton for most of my life – here are my five 'one to watch' businesses for 2026

I have lived in Northampton for most of my life and here are five businesses I believe are ones to watch across the town in 2026. We know it has been a bleak start to the year for businesses, so let’s take the opportunity to shine a positive spotlight on independents with great potential moving forward.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 5th March 2026

New supermarket opens on busy Northampton street as sister business to popular bar and restaurant

A new supermarket has opened on a busy Northampton street, which is the sister business to a popular bar and restaurant. Mr Fox Bazaar opened on Wellingborough Road at the end of February and is located next door to Tuck In Restaurant, which reopened following three months of internal transformation works in April 2024.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 5th March 2026

11-year-old to run first marathon in aid of Cystic Fibrosis inspired by her godfather’s baby boy

An 11-year-old from Northampton will soon run her first marathon in aid of a worthy Cystic Fibrosis charity, and she was inspired to take on this challenge by her godfather’s baby boy. This is Brontë McGrath’s second fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Her marathon, taking place at the end of the month, will begin at Milton Keynes parkrun and end at her home in Northampton.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 5th March 2026

We Mean Business: Town centre venture slams ‘horrible communication’ about how to access support

A Northampton town centre independent has slammed “horrible communication” about how businesses can access support when they need it most. Launched at the start of February, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 4th March 2026

IN PICTURES: Hidden gem events venue welcomes more than 30 stallholders to first market of 2026

A hidden gem events venue welcomed more than 30 stallholders to its first market of 2026 in Northampton, and the attendees were pleased to see a glimpse of spring. T’s, located at Pitsford Quarry on Harborough Road, is known for its coffee hut, markets, charity events and family-friendly woodland walk.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 4th March 2026

Meet the sisters running village high street hidden gem known for its farmshop offering and event catering

Meet the sisters running a hidden gem business on a Northamptonshire village high street, which is known for its farmshop offering and event catering. Philippa’s is located at 32a High Street in Bugbrooke, which opened in April 2022 after the business was originally established by Pippa Reeve two years prior.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 4th March 2026

Kingsley councillor hopeful that vibrant business group could be exactly what the area needs to thrive

A Kingsley councillor is hopeful that a vibrant business group could be exactly what the area needs in order to thrive. Councillor Farzana Aldridge, who represents the Liberal Democrats in the Kingsley and Semilong ward, has set up a meeting for Thursday evening (March 5) at Kingsley Working Men’s Club.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd March 2026

Meet the founder of ‘The Little Cake Box Shed’ now open from Fridays to Sundays every week in Northampton

Meet the founder of The Little Cake Box Shed, which is now open from Fridays to Sundays every week in Northampton. This venture was launched by Faye Hynes on February 27 and customers can enjoy freshly baked treats from the cake shed outside 67 Firsview Drive in Duston.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd March 2026

IN PICTURES: It’s all smiles as this Northampton primary school celebrates 20th anniversary

It was all smiles at the celebration of this Northampton primary school’s 20th anniversary at the end of last week. Weston Favell Primary School has now been located at Westwood Way for an impressive two decades, and the students and teachers marked the milestone last Friday (February 27).

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd March 2026

‘Practical and stigma-free support point’ available for veterans and blue light workers in Northampton

This “practical and stigma-free support point” is available in Northampton for serving and retired veterans and blue light workers. The Duston Coffee Call takes place from 10am until midday on the third Monday of each month. Attendees are warmly invited to Duston Community Centre on Pendle Road for friendly conversation, to share experiences and be part of a supportive community.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd March 2026

We Mean Business: Cafe owner grateful for ‘non-stop’ start to 2026 despite ‘tough’ time for independents

A cafe owner has expressed her gratitude for a “non-stop” start to 2026 despite a “tough” time for independents at the moment. Launched at the start of the month, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd March 2026

Founder of tailored catering experience with elevated touch rewarded with ‘so many repeat customers’

The founder of a tailored catering experience with an elevated touch has had her hard work rewarded with “so many repeat customers” in Northampton. Liv Harding launched Graze With Liv in September last year, having been given the flexibility and time to set up her own venture alongside a new role in a family business.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd March 2026

Meet the caricature artist, cartoonist and illustrator whose enquiries have quadrupled due to viral AI designs

Meet the caricature artist, cartoonist and illustrator whose enquiries have quadrupled as a result of AI-generated designs going viral as part of a social media trend. Vicky Hunt runs Vix Caricatures and launched her career in this line of work in 2012, after it had been a hobby for years and she did not expect it to go any further than that.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th February 2026

Husband and wife duo launch mini-mart specialising in all things Caribbean food, drink and culture in Northampton

A husband and wife duo have opened a mini-mart specialising in all things Caribbean food, drink and culture in Northampton following demand from the community. Mangrove Caribbean Mini-Mart, which opened at the end of January in Collingwood Road, Abington, is owned and run by UK-born first generation offspring of the Windrush era.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th February 2026

Northampton’s leading sweet business launches unique twist on viral concept called ‘The Sugar Shed’

Northampton’s leading sweet business is launching a unique take on a concept currently going viral on social media, which she has called ‘The Sugar Shed’. Dani Martin founded Simply Sweetie, a premium confectionery company with more than 100 varieties to choose from, back in February 2021.