Elevate Northamptonshire

February 24: Elevating Northamptonshire in Business and Wellbeing

Author

Damian Smyth
February 24, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Business Growth, Networking & Wellbeing Events Happening This Week*

*Below £50 entry with tickets remaining

BNI Weekly Events:

BNI Ignite Business Networking Event: Tuesdays - 06:45 - 09:00 - The Turnpike, Harpole Turn, Weedon Road, Northampton, Northants, NN7 4DD - £15

BNI Pioneer Online Business Networking: Wednesdays - 09:30 - 11:30 - Online - £15

BNI Pavilion Business Networking Event: Thursdays - 06:30 - 08:30 - Holiday Inn Northampton, an IHG Hotel, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7YF - £15

BNI Prosperity Business Networking Event: Thursdays - 06:45 - 09:45 - Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering NN15 6XA - £15

BNI Luminate Business Networking Event: Thursdays - 07:40 - 09:40 - Daventry Town Hall, Daventry - £15

BNI Sterling Business Networking Event: Thursdays - 11:30 - 13:30 - Nene Whitewater Centre, Bedford Rd, Northampton NN4 7AA - £15

BNI Lighthouse Business Networking Event: Fridays - 06:45 - 08:45 - Northampton County Cricket Ground, Wantage Rd, Northampton NN1 4TH - £15

Please send your upcoming events to [email protected]

Health and Wellbeing

Weekly Health and Wellbeing

Tai Chi Class
Wednesdays 13:00 - 14:00 GMT
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP – £9.38

Breathwork - Free Weekly Class • Northampton
Wednesdays 18:00 - 18:30 GMT
Online – Free

Pranayama Breathing Free Class • Northampton
Wednesdays 18:00 - 18:30 GMT
Online – Free

Local Success Story: The Paddock Pantry – From Horsebox to Thriving Community Café

A year of hard work, community spirit, and incredible success – Jordan Zammit celebrates the first anniversary of The Paddock Pantry.

One year ago, The Paddock Pantry opened its doors—well, its horsebox—to the public, serving up fresh coffee and homemade treats to the Northampton community. What started as a maternity leave passion project for Jordan Zammit has become a thriving local business, building strong connections and becoming a weekend staple at Harlestone Firs.

From Idea to Reality

With no previous barista experience, Jordan took a leap of faith. She spent six months transforming an old prosecco bar into a fully equipped café on wheels, learning everything she could about coffee along the way. The Paddock Pantry began as a pop-up at various local events before finding its permanent home at Harlestone Firs in November 2023, where it now operates every Saturday and Sunday from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM—rain or shine.

A Business Built on Community

Reflecting on the past year, Jordan shared:

“It’s overwhelming—one because it’s gone so quickly, and two because it’s been such a successful first year. I’m incredibly grateful. I never expected it to grow the way it has.”

More than just a café, The Paddock Pantry has become a hub for local businesses. Jordan proudly sources her coffee from Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters and stocks delicious treats from Made by Millie and Treatbox by Jess, among others.

“Having this business has allowed me to meet so many incredible people who share their stories with me every week. It’s humbling—we all support each other.”

Growth, Challenges & Milestones

In just one year, Jordan has gone from running the café solo to leading a team of six employees, with her parents always ready to lend a hand. The additional support made it possible for her to return full-time to her emergency services job while continuing to run the business and raise her daughter, Evelyn.

Despite its success, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. From managing stock and towing the horsebox to dealing with a break-in, Jordan admits it has been hard work—but worth it. The dedication has paid off, with The Paddock Pantry placing second in the ‘Best New Business’ category at the Northants Life Awards.

What’s Next?

As The Paddock Pantry continues to grow, Jordan has exciting plans for the future. She’s considering adding a second coffee van—one she can drive rather than tow—to set up in another busy park, creating more jobs and stronger local supplier partnerships.

In November 2024, Jordan and her team will mark one year at Harlestone Firs with balloons, cake, and celebrations.

“Every week takes a lot of energy and time, but the business is growing, and it’s all been worth it.”

Follow The Paddock Pantry on Facebook to stay updated and support a fantastic local success story! 🎉 ☕

Sporting Fixtures

Rugby:

Football: MEN:

Football: WOMEN:

Cricket: No games scheduled

Northamptonshire Weather

The Happiness Hub

Check out our Happiness Hub in partnership with Action for Happiness! This resource hub will provide free tools and guidance to help Northamptonshire’s businesses excel in workplace wellbeing.

The Purpose of the Newsletter

We’re connecting Northampton businesses to get us all working together and elevate our well-being, making this incredible county a (happy) UK business powerhouse. Please share it with your friends and colleagues to benefit them.