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]
Northampton was in fourth place. beaten only by Southampton, York and Bristol.
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.