Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 20th March 2025

Town centre vintage emporium celebrates that 66 of the 88 businesses they house are run by women

A vintage emporium at the heart of Northampton town centre wants to celebrate that 66 of the 88 businesses they house are run by women. Vintage Guru, in St Giles’ Street, is full to the brim with vintage and new gifts, homeware, clothes, accessories, vinyl records, and houses tens of independent businesses.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th March 2025

International Women’s Day 2025: 15 female-owned businesses we are proud to have in Northampton

International Women’s Day (March 8) is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Northampton’s female-owned businesses, and here are 15 we should be proud to have in our town. Though there are reams of admirable businesses founded by women, many of which have featured in this newspaper already, we have decided to spotlight 15 of them to celebrate IWD 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th March 2025

International Women’s Day 2025: Multi-million-pound business founder proud to build legacy for her children

This multi-million-pound business founder shared how she made a success of her ventures from Northamptonshire, in the countdown to International Women’s Day (March 8). Caroline Strawson had her home repossessed and was in £70,000 worth of debt from financial abuse more than a decade ago. She was left with nothing while juggling being a mother.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 5th March 2025

International Women’s Day 2025: ‘I do it to inspire my girls to be resilient,’ says candle company owner

The next business owner in our countdown to International Women’s Day (March 8) says she hopes to inspire her daughters to be resilient in pursuing their passions. Janene Francis launched Lyss & Vay Candle Co. during the pandemic in 2020, and offers 100 percent cruelty-free, luxury and hand-poured soy candles.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 4th March 2025

International Women’s Day 2025: Sweet business owner urges community to ‘use us before you lose us’

In the second instalment of our International Women’s Day coverage, the owner of a sweet business has urged the community to use their favourite independents before they lose them. Mother-of-four Dani Martin founded Simply Sweetie, a premium confectionery company with more than 100 varieties to choose from, back in February 2021.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd March 2025

International Women’s Day 2025: ‘We’re the underdogs,’ says quirky gift shop owner in Northampton

To mark the countdown to International Women’s Day on Saturday (March 8), we will feature a different female-owned Northampton business each day. The first is Feather Robins Gifts and although business owner Lindsey Scott-Walker has had a tricky time of late, she is proud of the journey she has been on as a woman in business.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th December 2024

Small Business Saturday: We should be proud of Northampton’s independents and go out of our way to support them

Having spotlighted some amazing independents across Northampton in the countdown to Small Business Saturday (December 7), we should be proud of what the town has to offer. Day in and day out I get to speak to the individuals at the heart of our town’s business community, and their passion is something to behold.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th December 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘This should be more than just one day a year,’ says long-standing business owner

Northampton’s most-decorated cheesemaker and long-standing business owner is the final individual to show his support in our countdown to Small Business Saturday (December 7). Steve Reid first established Friars Farm, located in Foundry Street, 13 years ago.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 5th December 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘Small businesses are little dreams and we’ve been brave enough to take the leap’

A passionate gluten-free baker is the next to show her support for Small Business Saturday (December 7), by sharing the important reminder that each founder has been brave enough to embark on their dream. Zara Sey founded GF Shoetown Baker in January 2021 from her home in Abington, and she has flourished as a solo business owner working around her young daughters ever since.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 4th December 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘If you don’t use us you’ll lose us,’ says founder of ‘shop with a difference’

As we draw closer to Small Business Saturday (December 7), a founder has shared the poignant message that if the community does not use independents they will sadly lose them. The Heart & Soul Candle Co. was established by Tanya Russo from her home in Weston Favell, before opening at Whilton Locks Garden Village in March.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd December 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and I’m proud to be part of that’

The founder of a multi-award-winning vegan sweet business is the next to support this weekend’s national Small Business Saturday campaign (December 7). Greta McDonald founded her confectionery brand Sweet Lounge in Brixworth back in 2014, and has scooped a number of prestigious accolades over the past decade.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd December 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘Without local support, I don’t exist – it’s as simple as that’

The owner of a baked goods business is the next to emphasise the importance of local support in the run up to Small Business Saturday (December 7). The Cake Hole was founded by Sherrilyn Reynolds in the midst of the pandemic and customers love to indulge in her home-baked cakes, cookies, biscuits and treats.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘Very few customers leave our shop without smiles on their faces’

An eclectic vintage emporium at the heart of Northampton town centre is pleased to leave a lasting impact on customers, as they very rarely leave without smiles on their faces. Vintage Guru, in St Giles’ Street, is full to the brim with vintage and new gifts, homeware, clothes, accessories, vinyl records, and houses tens of independent businesses.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: Community-spirited cafe prides itself on being ‘attentive and accommodating’

A community-spirited cafe in Northampton town centre, which prides itself on being “attentive and accommodating”, is the next to join our countdown to Small Business Saturday (December 7). Matchbox Cafe, located in Wellington House, Abington Street, was founded by Bing Wan in April 2018.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘Where you put your money is a vote towards the lifestyle our town wants’

The owner of an independent Northampton business, which offers a “beautiful oasis of calm”, is the next to share her insights as part of our Small Business Saturday series. The Breathe In Space, located in Welford Road, Kingsthorpe, is a studio providing yoga classes and a holistic centre for all kinds of wellness treatments.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 26th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: Quirky gift shop describes annual campaign as ‘huge’ for community of independents

As we begin our countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 7, the first independent we want to spotlight is a quirky gift shop that has expanded across Northampton this year. Lindsey Scott-Walker established Feather Robins Gifts in Kent Road in September 2022, in the hope of becoming a one stop shop for all customers’ gifting needs.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: ‘We’ve now got a clear sight as to what Northampton’s future looks like’

The countdown is officially on to Small Business Saturday, which is a national campaign that shines a light on the amazing independents on our doorsteps. This annual day, which has been running for more than a decade, celebrates the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and contributions that small businesses make to their communities.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 19th November 2024

Small Business Saturday: Northampton independents spotlighted as part of national roadshow

The success stories of a number of Northampton independents have been spotlighted as part of a national roadshow to mark the upcoming Small Business Saturday. The tour arrived in Northampton on Monday (November 18) and the team filmed a number of behind the scenes interviews with businesses across the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th September 2024

Tastes of Northampton: ‘We should be proud of the amazing places and people who put our town on the map’

As we round off the Tastes of Northampton series and National World’s Food and Drink Month, it is evident that we should be proud of the places and people who have put our town on the map. We have continued to celebrate Northampton’s hospitality industry with eight features this September – each with different individuals who have put their stamp on the food and drink scene.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th September 2024

Tastes of Northampton: ‘There are good producers in our county and they should be celebrated’

A long-standing business owner of more than a decade, who is the most decorated cheesemaker in the town, has shared his favourite thing about being so heavily involved in Northampton’s food and drink scene. Steve Reid first established Friars Farm, located at the heart of the town in Foundry Street, 13 years ago.