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]
17. Cake Inn
Cake Inn held opened its Wellingborough Road shop in September, with Mayor of Northampton Rufia Ashraf in attendance. The business caters for all occasions and can provide a range of cakes that are all egg-free and decorated in store.
18. Bosko's
Two long-time friends Adnan Nawaz, 34, and Shabz Kazmi, 30, from Kingsthorpe and Moulton, opened Bosko's burger bar in Wellingborough Road in March. The owners pride themselves on their "quality" and "fresh" produce, slick branding and "relaxing vibes".
19. Gallone's
A new Gallone's Ice Cream parlour opened in Towcester in May. The iconic brand, which has been serving the county since 1935, offers 24 flavours of ice-cream, seats 60 people and has a function room for children's parties.
20. The Fig Tree
The Fig Tree Bar and Kitchen, based at Dallington Fitness in Poyntz Lane, is now opened for business in June after the De-Chiara family renovated it over the Covid lockdown. The De-Chiara family includes Tony, Angelina, Giulio and Maria, who are all siblings, and then Angelo who is their cousin.