Here is a list of new independent businesses that have opened in Northampton so far this year.
In the run up to Christmas, the Chronicle and Echo is celebrating and promoting the best of local businesses in a bid to get more people out shopping locally.
It has been an extremely difficult year for most due to the effects of Covid, but that has not stopped these entrepreneurs from taking a chance and putting their own stamp on the town.
The new businesses include a wide range of services including beauty salons, restaurants, cafes, pizza parlours, furniture stores and more.
So in the run up to Christmas, keep these new businesses, and all other local business, in mind. Support local.
Have you opened a business this year that is not on the list? Email [email protected]
5. Northampton Furniture Gallery
The shop in Northampton Business Centre, Lower Harding Street, opened in April and consists of hundreds of beds and sofas at discounted prices that can be delivered on the same day, as well as a vintage tearoom with outdoor seating. The shop's owner is the former owner of Sofa King, Mark Kypta.
6. Saints Coffee
The sustainable coffee shop and social enterprise opened in St Giles Street in August. Owners Ben Francoise and his partner Nicola Butler sell fresh brews, cakes, sandwiches, breakfast and lunch in the day but then - in the evening - transition into selling wine, craft beer, cocktails, cheese and charcuterie boards.
7. Beds and Floors
The bedroom furniture and flooring showroom opened in Wellingborough Road in in September in a bid to provide customers with a service where ‘everything is in one place’. The shop, near the Lighthouse pub, is the brainchild of father and son-in-law, Abdul Rahman and Rahul Amin. Abdul, who is the manager, has 15 years of experience in the industry in Hertfordshire and was keen to set up his own business when he moved to the town to be close to his daughters.
8. Vins and Bieres
Approval has been given to convert the former Ask Italian restaurant in Northampton town centre into a French bar company's first branch outside of the country. The vacant St Giles Street building and the adjacent plot will become a V&B, which stands for Vins and Bieres, Wines and Beers in English, after getting West Northamptonshire Council backing. The owner used to live in Northampton and wanted to open a business here.