We Mean Business: ‘My business has 13,000 followers and our posts only get seen by 400 unless you throw money at it’
A successful business owner, who revolutionised the way afternoon tea is offered in Northampton over the past decade, has revealed her struggles with social media reach.
Launched at the start of February, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.
The twice-weekly stories spotlight what Northampton stands to lose if your favourite businesses were to close down, highlight the biggest challenges they currently face, and encourage greater support from the powers that be and the community before it is too late.
The next to share her insight is Amy Whiting, who founded Amy’s Vintage Teas in 2013 when she started collecting vintage china. Working as a waitress at the time and being a mother to two young children, Amy knew it was time to start something of her own.
Though her initial idea was to hire out the crockery for weddings and events, she saw a massive gap in the market for the afternoon tea experience to be brought to people’s homes.
She was the first business to introduce having afternoon tea delivered in the town and has developed and built on the concept ever since.
What started out as providing small tea parties for eight to 10 guests in their home has led to bookings for larger parties, weddings and corporate events for up to 250 people.
Let’s take a look at what Amy had to say…
How would you summarise your experience of running an independent business in Northampton at the moment?
“It’s difficult,” said Amy. “There’s the obvious, which is a rise in the cost of ingredients and fuel and that impacts delivery costs. It all adds up and it’s unfair to pass it onto the customer, but we have to cover our products and the travel.
“It’s very hard to be seen on social media now. 10 years ago if you had 300 followers, they would all see it. The business now has 13,000 followers on Facebook and our posts are sometimes seen by 400 people, unless you throw money at it which I sometimes do.
“I’ve built up a reputation over 13 years and built my foundations. I do get a lot of repeat customers and new customers through recommendations and word of mouth. Without that foundation, I don’t know if we’d still be going – who knows?”
What are the biggest challenges you currently face as a business owner, and what impact do these have on the daily running of your venture?
Amy continued: “Maybe we don’t get as many jobs as we used to. I spend a lot of time quoting and getting back to customers, but sometimes it’s just too expensive for them. They can buy a buffet platter or sandwiches from the supermarket, but it’s a completely different set up when it’s homemade.
“The biggest challenge we face is rising costs and unfortunately there’s nothing we can do about it. I would love to do this for love, but we have to make a living and pay bills. I’m lucky that I’m as busy as I want to be and I can’t ask for more than that.”
What more do you believe could be done by the local authority and national government to minimise your current challenges and ensure your survival throughout 2026?
“I don’t feel like the Council really help in any way,” said Amy. “I’ve never thought of them as being a help or of use to my business. I’m sure it impacts businesses who have premises in Northampton, as they pay rent and rates.
“I work from home and that doesn’t affect me as much, unless I do find a cafe this year and I’m sure that will change.”
What do you believe Northampton stands to lose if your business were to close down? What unique offerings do you bring to the town that would be sorely missed?
The founder said: “They’d miss a small, independent and long-standing business that brought afternoon teas to the home 13 years ago. I’ve been part of hundreds of special occasions, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays over the years.
“It’s a lovely journey to be part of all of that. There are loads of other small and independent businesses out there but there’s something quite special about us. 13 years later, I still believe I created something unique.”
What small actions can our readers and the Northampton community take to support your business in 2026?
“People can always help us by liking and commenting on our Facebook and Instagram posts, or leave a Google review after an event,” Amy concluded. “It helps us reach more people and potential customers. It’s the little things that will hopefully keep us going for another 13 years.
“If you’re considering booking catering for an event, even though the independents might be a little more than your average supermarket, consider where the food comes from and how it’s made. There’s always a face behind our work and service, and you can’t compare the two.”