County’s best small business shares exciting plans for the rest of 2026 with fewer than 100 days to go until Christmas
The founder of Northamptonshire’s best small business, as voted for by the community, has shared her exciting plans for the rest of 2026 with fewer than 100 days to go until Christmas.
Silver jewellery maker Steph Davies founded the multi-award-winning Scruffy Dog Silver in 2011, and was named best jeweller in the county for two consecutive years at the Northants Life Awards in 2023 and 2024.
This summer, she took that a step further by being named the county’s best small business for 2026 at the same awards ceremony.
Each of Steph’s unique pieces are crafted and finished by hand, and all the designs are her own. Steph predominantly likes to use sterling silver, but mixes it up with copper, seaglass and the odd splash of gold.
Though the business did not become a full-time venture until 2011, Steph, from Duston, has always been a crafter. Having attended a silversmith workshop that she stumbled across more than a decade ago, she used the opportunity to learn the basics and has self-taught since then.
Scruffy Dog Silver is available to purchase online, at markets and retail spots across the country, and Steph achieved her biggest goal of moving out of her shed and into her converted garage workshop. Not only does she work from there, but she welcomes people to the space.
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Steph revealed that Christmas orders are already rolling in and she is making them the focus from now on. At the time of the interview, there were exactly 100 days to go until the big day.
“It has been, as usual, a massive rollercoaster ride,” said Steph, reflecting on 2026 so far. “I was expecting to have a quiet period at the start of the year but it’s been insane. I focused on summer festivals for a change and won my award, and it has picked up after that and translated into lots of people finding me and placing orders. I haven’t stopped.”
The award-winning founder says that “without a doubt” her success at the Northants Life Awards has had an impact on her business, including being asked to be part of the Super Seconds Festival.
This online event on October 3 and 4 will feature 250 UK-based businesses selling ex-shop stock, imperfect makes and anything they want to shift at discounted prices, and after that Steph will be launching her winter collection.
“A lot of us independent makers are online as we can’t afford bricks and mortar stores,” said Steph. “This is a chance for makers to get rid of stuff, reduce waste and have a bit of fun, and customers can shop at crazy prices.
“I’m very lucky to be a part of it and there’s an awful lot of work behind the scenes. I’m learning everyday and this huge creative community has picked me up by the armpits and thrown me in.”
When asked how she feels ahead of the busiest quarter of the year, Steph said: “I’m already running around like a crazy thing. I’m playing it differently this year and shan’t be doing as many events. I burnt myself out last year.”
The founder will be at nine markets between October 17 and December 19, including Duston Village Bakery, T’s Coffee, The Loft, Great Brington Church, My Little Vintage and Eat Street MK – which she considers her Christmas party as she enjoys tasting the food vendors with husband Darren at the final event of the year.
“It’s all systems go for Christmas,” Steph continued. “If people want to shop personalised Scruffy Dog Silver, they can’t leave it until the last minute. This is something I have to explain to people as handmade takes time.
“It means the world when people support independents, as they could shop anywhere but they choose folk like me. I get an awful lot of repeat customers and what greater validation than that. I’m incredibly lucky and ready for the hard work of a crackers next three months.”