SmallBUZZ Talks final

SMALL BUZZ TALKS
MAY, 2023
It's
NEVER
Too
Late
To
START
Your
Own
BUSINESS
Pg 10-11
S H O P S M A L L , S U P P O R T S M A L L
Know more about your town!
Brand New Collection Volume 1

Meet the people of
Northampton
2
"Shoemaking and Culture"

3

CONTENTS
7
A fascinating history that
dates back to the Roman era.
An Anglo Saxon village
located by the well watered
meadow......
1-2
"The art of Shoe Making"
4
Shoemaking is about more than
just cutting and stitching leather.
It's an art form that requires a
deep understanding of the human
foot and the way it moves...
"Its never too late to start your own
business"
10-11
After her first daughter, she
wanted a flexible job that could
work around her family ....
"From Call centre to Telecoms"
15
He started working in a call centre
at the age of 15 and worked his way
up to banking and door-to-door
sales, and started his own company
to fill in the gap in the market ...
“A digital learning agency for all”
18-19
4
"A place to relax and Pamper
Yourself"
We help you feel confident and is a
great way to pamper yourself. "Most
of our regular clients who come in for
services and to be able to talk to us" ...
17
A rise in demand for more
personalisation in education has
turned learners into consumers,
thinking more about the return on
their investments....
Visit
HTTPS://ALKAKURIAN20.WIXSITE.COM/MY-SITE

"Unleash your Beauty"
25
“We have a team of talented stylists
at this contemporary salon are
committed to making sure you leave
feeling your absolute best.”
A good service will always keep
loyal customers coming back"
20
A commitment to quality and
craftsmanship. Offering the
highest-quality footwear ...
"Tech should be passion"
“We help job seekers match with
the best job opportunities
available”
23
#selfloveclub
Microshops: The New Face of Retail in Town Centre
28-29
A good service will always keep
loyal customers coming back"
A dog friendly shop, where people
can come with their friends and
pets to relax, while working and
chatting....
26
A small, independent retail space pods for individual
entrepreneurs or small businesses, and while they can
offer a small selection of products in the market. From
artisanal foods to handmade crafts, anyone can bring
thier creativity and innovation to town centres across
the country.
"Family, Food, and Fun"
The mother and her daughters who
run the sandwich bar are passionate
about food and hospitality...
31
Hope you enjoy reading my first edition
5

H I S T
N
orthampton was an Anglo Saxon village.
The village was named after it's location by
the well watered meadow. .It was called
Hamm tun, and that implies the town by
the all around watered glade.
© photojojo3
B R I D G E S T R E E T
It is a historic market town located in the
East Midlands region of England. The town
has a rich history that dates back to the
Roman era, when it was an important
military center. During the medieval
period, Northampton grew into a
prosperous market town, with a thriving
wool trade and a number of important
religious institutions. In the 17th and 18th
centuries, Northampton became known for
its shoemaking industry, which continued
to be a major part of the town's economy
until the 20th century.
Today, Northampton is a bustling town
with a diverse economy and a rich cultural
heritage. Its historic buildings and
landmarks, including the 12th-century
Northampton Castle and the 13th-century
St. Peter's Church, are popular tourist
attractions, and the town is home to a
number of museums and galleries that
showcase its fascinating history.
The town is also known for its beautiful
parks and green spaces, which provide a
welcome respite from the hustle and bustle
of daily life. Whether you're interested in
history, culture, or the great outdoors,
Northampton has something to offer
everyone.
D I D Y O U K N O W ?
Northampton was the site of one of the most
famous battles of the Wars of the Roses, which
took place in 1460. The Battle of Northampton
was a decisive victory for the Yorkist forces, and
helped to pave the way for the eventual ascension
of King Edward IV to the throne.
6
© Steven Tom Hawthorne
Collis
T H E O L D H O U S E A T H O M E 2 , W E L L I N G B O R O U G H R O A D ,

O R Y
Northampton became famous
for its leather shoes in the 17th
and 18th centuries. At this time,
the town was a major center for
the leather industry, with many
tanneries and curriers located
in the area. The town's location
near several rivers made it an
ideal location for tanning
leather, and Northampton soon
became one of the leading
centers' of the leather trade in
England. The shoemaking
industry in Northampton began
to take off in the 18th century,
and by the 19th century, the
town was home to over 200
shoemakers and leather
workers.
The abundance of high-quality
leather, combined with the
town's skilled craftsmen and
favorable economic conditions,
rose to prominence as one of
England's major leather trading
hubs. The town's shoemakers
quickly gained a reputation for
producing high-quality, durable
footwear, and by the 19th
century, Northampton had
become one of the world's
leading centers for shoemaking.
The town's shoe factories
employed thousands of workers
and produced millions of shoes
each year, which were exported
all over the world. From sturdy
work boots to elegant dress
shoes, and their products were
renowned for their quality and
durability.
Today, Northampton's
shoemaking industry has
declined somewhat, but the
town remains an important
centre for the production of
high-quality leather goods.
Many of the old shoemaking
factories have been converted
into modern office spaces, and
the town is home to a number
of specialist leather and shoe
retailers. Northampton's
leather industry continues to
be celebrated through events
such as the annual
Northampton Shoe and
Leather Week, which takes
place every autumn.
Northampton's leather
industry has also benefitted
from a growing interest in
sustainable and ethical
fashion. Many of the
manufactures have embraced
this trend and begun to focus
on producing environmentally
friendly and ethically sourced
products.
Today, the town is home to a
number of high-end shoe
brands that continue to
produce shoes using
traditional methods and
techniques.
© WallStreet Journal
Northampton
is known for its
shoe industry,
and is home to
some of the
world's most
famous
shoemakers,
including
Church's,
Trickers, and
Crockett &
Jones
© Dickens Brothers - The Big Leather oak Drum
7

8

P
atrick Diyaolu, owner of PatrickDyas Bespoke,
grew in a shoe business family. His passion for
designing shoes started at a young age when he
used to help his mother with her footwear
business in Nigeria. He was always fond of
sewing and designing and started making shoes
for friends and family at the age of 4. His love for
designing shoes only grew stronger as he got
older and he eventually moved to England to gain
more experience and knowledge about shoes.
After working with world-class renowned shoe
brands, Patrick decided to set up his own shop in
Kingsley Park recently. His handmade shoes are
made with love and are designed to last. He
customizes shoes for weddings, orthopedic needs,
and all kinds of occasions.
P A T R I C K D I Y A O L U ( O W N E R )
"The art of
Shoe Making"
Patricks workshop is filled with tools, leather, and
a lifetime's worth of knowledge and skill. From
the moment you step into his workshop, you can
tell that shoemaking is more than just a job to
him, his passion has lead to a number of loyal
customers, who keep coming back.
My customers vary from local to international
and he is known for his exceptional
craftsmanship and attention to detail. He takes
pride in his work and is constantly innovating
and experimenting with new designs and
techniques.
For him shoemaking is about more than just
cutting and stitching leather. It's an art form that
requires a deep understanding of the human foot
and the way it moves. Patrick takes great care to
ensure that each shoe he makes is not only looks
good but also comfortable and functional.
One of the most impressive things about Patricks
process is the sheer amount of handwork that
goes into each shoe. From hand-stitching the
leather to hand-finishing the soles, his shoes are
truly a labor of love. And the result is the shoes
are built to last.
“ M Y S H O E S M A Y B E M O R E E X P E N S I V E T H A N W H A T Y O U ' L L F I N D A T
Y O U R L O C A L M A L L , B U T T H E Y ' R E W O R T H E V E R Y P E N N Y ” .
My customers vary from local to international
and he is known for his exceptional
craftsmanship and attention to detail. He takes
pride in his work and is constantly innovating
and experimenting with new designs and
techniques.
If you're looking for a pair of shoes that are
unique, stylish, and made with love, look no
further than Patricks shop.
9

"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO
START YOUR OWN
BUSINESS"
T
ara Florence, creator of OSHi, a chain of
unisex camera accessories for everyone.
She is a Northampton based photographer
and entrepreneur.
She began her steps into the world of
photography, while working for a
marketing company, she had taken up a
photographer course alongside her work,
before she was due with her first daughter,
she wanted a flexible job that could work
around her family. She began building her
portfolio during her maternity leave and
started doing family photography, and then
slowly moved onto wedding photography
for her friends.
Tara launched her first workshops in 2019,
and received immense love for it. “We had
a group of all women, as we explored a lot
more than photography, like visualising
their future, manifesting their future,
travelled around the dessert and a lot
more”.
After working in the industry for quite
sometime, she was upset with masculine
style of camera accessories available in the
market
“I grew up having
an interest in
the art and
appreciation for it”
10
Harens Belts from the
OSHI collection
Tara Florence (Owner)

11

Editors Choice
F O O D S P O T S
Muffin Break, Grosvenor Centre
BREAKFAST
Kerala Hut, Wellingborough Rd
LUNCH
Minoffle, Wellingborough Rd
SNACK
N-Hampton BBQ, Abington Street
DINNER
12

Game Time
SUDOKU
One of the all-time most played puzzle games is sudoku. In order to
complete a Sudoku puzzle, a 9x9 grid must be filled with numbers so that
each row, column, and 3x3 square contains all digits from 1 to 9. Sudoku
is a great mental exercise as a logic game. You will soon start to see
gains in your ability to focus and think clearly if you play Sudoku every
day. Now begin a game.
6 7 2
3 2
4
2
1
9 8
4
3
4 5
9 2 3 7
7 6
4 9
3 6
4 5
3
5
2
8 3
4
1
8
2
5
9 6
13

14

© Aaron Kirton
"FROM CALL CENTRE TO TELECOMS"
Aaran Kirton is the founder of
Guru Technology, a telecoms
company based in Dallington,
UK. The company, which sells
B2B mobile phones, landline
telephone systems, broadband,
and IT services, has been
operating for four years and
has become one of the highestrated
companies in the
industry, with a five-star rating
on Google.
Kirton's journey to becoming a
telecoms company founder
began when he started
working in a call centre at the
age of 15. He was tasked with
selling 300 products a day,
which was a challenging
experience. After working in
the call centre, Kirton moved
into banking and door-to-door
sales, which he described as
the most difficult period of his
life.
Kirton gained experience over
the years in the telecoms
industry, where he worked for
nine years before leaving to start
a recruitment company with his
co-founder, John, in 2018. The
following year, they launched
Guru Technology to fill a gap in
the market and develop within
the industry.
Guru Technology has won
several awards, including the
Unified Communications Partner
of the Year award in 2022, a
special moment for the company
as they had only recently started.
The company works with
businesses on a local and
international scale, but also
supports the community by
working with local businesses.
Kirton describes Guru
Technology as a service-led
company, and this is reflected in
the high ratings and positive
reviews they have received.
He is committed to providing
reliable and affordable
connectivity solutions to his
customers.
In addition to running Guru
Technology, Kirton has a
podcast series on Spotify called
"Silent Entrepreneur". The
series features interviews with
various people, including
business owners and
professional
athletes,
discussing their different
journeys.
Kirton is soon to launch a new
venture in June, and we're
excited to see what he and his
team will accomplish next.
“Its an exciting product, that is
new to the country and
important for our well being”
15

16

Beauty With Inn
" A P L A C E T O R E L A X A N D P A M P E R Y O U R S E L F "
7 Days of
Self care
S
elf care is an important
aspect of ones life, Natalie
opened Beauty With Inn with
a fond interest in the
industry. They specialise in
hair and beauty, and are
located in St James,
Harlestone
road,
Northampton. She started her
business in 2007, at the Park
Inn Hotel and then move to St
James few years later.
They provide a wide range of
services that can improve
your appearance and selfconfidence.
There is
something for everyone
including "all kinds of
aesthetics from brows, nails,
hair". They are specialist in
elemis products, they are a
high quality skincare products
that are made with natural
ingredients and are good for
the environment.
Nails are a popular service
offered at this salon. They can
help you feel confident and is
a great way to pamper
yourself. "Most of our regular
clients who come in for
services and to be able to talk
to us".
Natalie (Owner)
It's a great way to meet new
people and connect with
others who share your
interests. “We are here to
listen and provide you with
the best service”.
“We are here to listen and
provide you with the best
service”. The atmosphere
provided is very quiet and
relaxing, welcoming and most
importantly comfort. "Hair
styling is one of the most wellliked
services provided by
them. Their talented stylist
can help you create the style
you want, whether you just
need a quick trim or a full
makeover. Additionally, "we
can recommend the finest
products to use based on the
type and style of your hair".
The above are among the few
services from a large number
of services they provide to
help you look and feel your
best. They create a sense of
calm and relaxation that's
hard to find in our busy lives.
So the next time you're feeling
stressed or in need of some
self-care, consider visiting
them. You'll be glad you did!
MONDAY
Eat well +
Nourish
TUESDAY
Tech detox +
Paint/Read
WEDNESDAY
Skin care
Hair care
FRIDAY
+
THURSDAY
Try something
new
Dress up
Socialize
+
SATURDAY
Excise your
body & mind
SUNDAY
Treat yourself
“If you don’t love
yourself, nobody will.
Not only that, you won’t
be good at loving
anyone else. Loving
starts with the self.” —
Wayne Dyer
17

“ A D I G I T A L L E A R N I N G A G E N C Y F O R A L L ”
SPOKES
EDUCATION
A digital learning agency based in Northampton,
founded by Philip Spokes in 2013, he talks about
his journey and the success of his company.
He initially started as a freelancer working for his
former clients, building networks he was able to
build his team and take the company to a higher
level.
‘Growing up I had a varied career, which led me
to learning development, and from there I went
on to work in the education industry’
Picture courtesy - Spokes Education at NBA 2022
Reviews
Highly recommend Spokes Education, they are professional, skilled, efficient, and very responsive and helpful. Whenever we had any queries or needed some advice they went above
and beyond to help us and made sure we are delivering the best learning experience to our trainees. Their staff is motivated, kind and great to work with!
We've collaborated with them on a social enterprise project and they helped us deliver quality and engaging learning using Articulate Rise to poor communities in India and Nigeria !
Thank you so much! :)
Andreea Dogan
Google Reviews
18

‘"A decade ago, when online was not a bloom yet,
it was a risk factor, but I could sense of it being
the future. “The future is being in the digital
space”
Picture courtesy - Spokes Education at FSB
Since day one the graph has been escalating ,
from career progression opportunities to building
a strong team that has been with us from the very
beginning.
“Building strong relations in workplace and
events, and how all those collaborations will
create opportunities for community and the
company themselves.”
They collaborate with clients in the public,
private, and nonprofit sectors worldwide to
curate advance learning methods for a better
learning experience. They also provide services,
to schools, businesses, individuals, and charities,
to work on a variety of projects.
"A rise in demand for more personalization in
education has turned learners into consumers,
thinking more about the return on their
investments"
Picture courtesy - Spokes Educations for well being walk
Spokes Education provides experienced
instructional design, working with subject matter
experts, to ensure that online courses provide
learners with more choice and engagement.
Additionally, they help students and clients
discover their own individual learning path.
Picture courtesy - Spokes Education
Picture courtesy - Spoke Education website
19

S T E P H E N P A R T I N G T O N ( O W N E R )
S
tephen Partington, owner of
Dychurch Lifestyle, opened the
store in St Giles Street, Town
Center, 11 years ago.
“I have always liked shoes and
initially we were only a shoe
shop, now we have expanded to
clothing as well”
Walking into Dychurch Lifestyle
is like stepping back in time. The
walls are lined with shelves of
shoes in every style and size
imaginable, and the staff are
friendly and knowledgeable. But
what really sets this shop apart
is its commitment to quality and
craftsmanship. Offering the
highest-quality footwear
available has always been a
point of pride for Dychurch
Lifestyle.
"Every shoe is built to last, from
the best leather to the toughest
soles."
They have also branched out
into apparel. They now have an
immense selection of clothing to
go with their shoe range. The
clothing is created from
premium materials and is
designed to be both fashionable
and comfortable.
Amidst the pandemic, the shop
has gone through its tough time
"This is probably the toughest
we have ever been".
We do not have additional staff
and we try to manage
everything within ourselves.
Their resilience and adaptability
help them work together
throughout the challenges.
They are managing despite all
the situations while they
continue to serve their loyal
customers.
"A good service
will always keep
loyal customers
coming back"
Leather becomes softer in
a humid environment and
hardness in a dry
environment
DID YOU
KNOW?
20

21

22

© S-SA
S-SA TOP TIPS ON HOW TO
STAND OUT TO RECRUITERS
1 - Make sure to introduce
yourself
2 - Put your job title
3 - Highlight your roles and
responsibilities
4 - Summarise your skills
5 - Shout about any
achievements
6 - List your education
7 - Don’t forget to include
your contact details
8 - Make sure your CV design
suits YOU
© S-SA
TOP S-SA CV TIPS
Make sure to include
‘keywords’ throughout
Include all forms of contact
Explain any gaps that may
be in your CV
Double-check any spelling
and grammar
"TECH SHOULD BE PASSION"
S-SA
Digital Recruitment
was founded in 2007 by Darren
Sharp, the company has quickly
become a leader in the digital
recruitment industry.
“We help job seekers match with
the best job opportunities
available”
The company use the latest
technology and data analysis to
connect job seekers with their
dream jobs.”Our innovative
approach to recruitment has
been praised by both job seekers
and employers”. Job seekers
appreciate the personalised
experience and the company's
commitment to finding the right
fit for each individual.
Employers, on the other hand,
appreciate the efficiency and
accuracy of the company's
recruitment process.
© S-SA Darren Sharp and his team
Darren Sharp (Founder)
One of the key advantages we
have is the “ability to access a
wider range of job
opportunities”.
Unlike
traditional recruitment
agencies, which are often
limited by industry, where as
“we have a global reach and
can match job seekers with
opportunities in a variety of
fields.”
In addition, “we offer a range of
services to job seekers like
career advice and help you
match with the right job”. By
using the latest technology and
data analysis, we connect job
seekers with their dream jobs
more quickly and efficiently
than ever before.
23

Game Time
TIC TAC TOE
This is a 2 player game, each player chooses between X an O. The
players draw a cross or circle in the square. The person who puts three
equal pieces in a row is the winner.
24

Hair care tips:
Follow a healthy diet
avoid elastic scrunchies
choose the right shampoo
dry you hair with microfiber
towel
use heat protector while heat
styling
Use hair sunscreen when out in
the sun
moistures the ends
brush your hair daily
"UNLEASH
F
your inner
BEAUTY"
inn Kelly-Jeans started
Finn and co, after
working for 14years for
high end saloon, he said
“I wanted to stand alone”.
The store is located in St
Giles street, in the heart
of the town.
The name of the saloon
derived from his own
name and “I was known
in town”.
“We have a team of
talented stylists at this
contemporary salon are
committed to making
sure you leave feeling
your absolute best.”
When you walk into the
saloon, the setting of the
saloon gives you a sense
of ease and comfort. The
team is attentive and
polite, and they'll work
with you to design a look
that
properly
complements your
personality and sense of
style.
The salon is known for
its blowouts. Their
stylists have the
knowledge and talent to
create any style you
want, whether you want
big, bouncy curls or a
sleek, straight style.
Additionally, they
provide a wide range of
services, from subtle
highlights to strong,
vivid colours, if you
want to change the
colour of your hair.
Reviews
I have been going to
Finn & Co for many
years and they always
offer a professional
quality service, whilst
providing a personal
and friendly
environment for their
clients.
Alison Mills
Google Reviews
25

"Get your caffeine fix"
Coffee Press
opened their doors at
Harlestone Road, St James last
November. They are an independent
coffee shop owned by Harry Barnes,
who also owns Jimmy's Sports Bar next
door. This is a dog friendly shop,
where people can come with their
friends and pets to relax, while
working and chatting, just making
themselves at home with their
delicious in house baked cakes and
rolls, in addition they have a range of
vegan options for you to come and
enjoy. All of their products are made
with the highest quality ingredients
and their staff is passionate about
baking delicious desserts that are sure
to wow your taste buds.
Inside Coffee Press, St James, Northampton
Harrys (Owners mother) and Baristas
This is the beverage that I
make, and it keeps me
awake;
I even have a cup of my
very own. What do I
consume?
Reviews
"Nice selection of vegan cakes, and they've always had a choice
of several, every time I've been. Tea and coffee are good, better
than the average. Staff friendly, and the toilet is clean. It's
pleasantly cool inside when it's hot outside, so it's a nice stop-off
if you're walking past in the heat. " - (Google Reviews, 2022
Nelson Wright)
26

Photo Credits @Microshops
27

28
In recent years, the retail
landscape of town centres
across the country has been
rapidly changing. With the
rise of e-commerce stores,
many town centres have
been struggling to keep up.
Microshops are a new and
exciting trend that is
changing the face of retail in
town centres across the
country and they are now
here in Northampton.
We were able to talk more
about this with Natalie
Cotton, a team member.
“Helping small business
owners come into high
street” - Natalie
A microshop is a small,
independent retail space
pods for individual
entrepreneurs or small
businesses, and while they
can offer a small selection of
products in the market. From
artisanal foods to handmade
crafts, anyone can bring
thier creativity and
innovation to town centres
across the country.
“Inside a town centre, inside
a retail unit” - Natalie
“We identify an empty space
in the shopping centre on a
high street, and create small
pods to rent to individuals
on flexible terms and
affordable rates, inclusive
of electricity and business
rates”
One of the key advantages
of microshops is their
flexibility. Because they are
small, they can be rented at
a fraction of the cost of a
traditional retail space. This
makes it easier for
entrepreneurs and small
businesses to get started
without taking on the
burden of high overhead
costs. Additionally, because
microshops are so small,
they can be easily moved or
relocated if necessary. This
allows retailers to test out
new locations and markets
without committing to a
long-term lease.
“They can move out anytime
with one month’s notice” -
Natalie
Natalie Cotton, Special Projects,
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Another advantage of
microshops is their ability to
provide a unique shopping
experience. Because they are
run by individual
entrepreneurs or small
businesses, they would be
able to offer a level of
personalization
and
customization that is difficult
to find in larger retail
spaces. Customers are able to
interact directly with the
shop owner or artisan, and
they are often able to learn
more about the products
they are purchasing and the
story behind them.

Microshops are also helping
to revitalize town centres by
bringing a sense of
community back to these
once-bustling shopping
districts.
Photo courtesy - Microshop
They would be often run by
local entrepreneurs and
artisans, they are able to
connect with customers on a
more personal level. This
helps to create a sense of
place and identity that is
often lacking in larger retail
spaces.
With their flexibility,
unique
shopping
experiences, and ability to
create a sense of
community, they are
helping to revitalize these
shopping districts.
Whether you're looking for
artisanal foods, handmade
crafts, or just a unique
shopping experience, be
sure to check out the
microshops in your local
town canter.
Microshops are looking for
individuals to reach out to
them for spaces, this is a
positive development for
the business and the town.
These small, independent
shops are offering a unique
and highly personalized
shopping experience, while
also supporting the local
economy and helping to
create a sense of community
in the area.
With their flexibility,
unique
shopping
experiences, and ability to
create a sense of
community, they are
helping to revitalize these
once-thriving shopping
districts.
Whether you're looking for
artisanal foods, handmade
crafts, or just a unique
shopping experience, be
sure to check out the
microshops
in
Northampton.
Floor Plan
29

Game Time
DOTS & BOXES
How to play:
There must be at least two participants for this game, though more can participate.
In simple terms, you design a grid of dots, and then each player takes a turn drawing a straight
line between two of them.
The initials of the first person to complete a square are placed in the box.
Game goes on until the final two dots are linked.
For each box, players receive 1 point.
The winner is the player with the most points at the conclusion.
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Beauty
of
Northampton
Photo courtesy - Vicky Sam