Northampton is the fourth best place in the UK for starting a new business, according to a new business.
The study, compiled by business experts Bionic, created an index using nine different business metrics to reveal which UK city has the strongest independent economy, where small businesses can thrive.
Northampton was in fourth place. beaten only by Southampton, York and Bristol.
Here are some of the new independent businesses that opened in Northampton in the last year. The Chronicle & Echo has been supporting our independent shops and businesses throughout the pandemic as part of an on-going campaign.
Have you opened a business that is not on the list? Email [email protected]
. Glam Beauty
The beauty salon in Wellingborough Road - opposite the Co-op - was opened in November by sisters Christine and Elsa Troka
. Brothers Pub Company
Left to right: Ellis, Jack and Josh Fitzgerald from Long Buckby have secured a £250,000 investment to convert Sharps furniture shop - in Abington Street and Market Square - into their new pub called Brothers Pub Company. Plans have been approved but work is yet to start to convert the vacant building.
. CI Aesthetics
The specialist beauty salon in Bridge Street opened in November and offers a huge range of treatments. From left to right; Nadya Naseem, Charlotte Warwick, Danielle Lesley and Victoria Slater who all work as beauty technicians at the shop and are from Northampton
. Tokky
Stanimir Nakov realised his 'dream' and opened Tokky on the second floor of the Grosvenor Centre - next to Costa Coffee - which sells specialty large slices of freshly-made pizza, freshly made ice-cream, crepes and more
. 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.
. 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.
. 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.
1. Glam Beauty
The beauty salon in Wellingborough Road - opposite the Co-op - was opened in November by sisters Christine and Elsa Troka
2. Brothers Pub Company
Left to right: Ellis, Jack and Josh Fitzgerald from Long Buckby have secured a £250,000 investment to convert Sharps furniture shop - in Abington Street and Market Square - into their new pub called Brothers Pub Company. Plans have been approved but work is yet to start to convert the vacant building.
3. CI Aesthetics
The specialist beauty salon in Bridge Street opened in November and offers a huge range of treatments. From left to right; Nadya Naseem, Charlotte Warwick, Danielle Lesley and Victoria Slater who all work as beauty technicians at the shop and are from Northampton
4. Tokky
Stanimir Nakov realised his 'dream' and opened Tokky on the second floor of the Grosvenor Centre - next to Costa Coffee - which sells specialty large slices of freshly-made pizza, freshly made ice-cream, crepes and more