Devon Eco Boutique in Ottery St Mary has been named among the finalists in this year’s Small Awards, celebrating the UK’s best small businesses.

The shop, selling sustainable children’s and adults’ clothes, gifts and household items, is shortlisted in the ‘bricks and clicks’ category, recognising firms that trade both on the high street and online.

The business was started by Nicci Simpson about two years ago as Eco Baby Box, an online enterprise, mainly selling baby and toddler products. But she soon decided she wanted a ‘real’ shop where she could meet customers face to face and offer facilities for parents to weigh, feed and change their babies.

The store opened in September 2021 and evolved into Devon Eco Boutique, offering a wider range of products, while continuing to trade successfully online.

The business is now among just eight finalists in the ‘bricks and clicks’ category of the Small Awards for traders using multiple channels. The judges were particularly looking for strong community engagement as well as entrepreneurial flair.

Nicci said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be one of the eight who made the shortlist alongside seven truly amazing businesses!

“This has been an intense but amazing adventure so far. To think two years ago I was crippled by PTSD and couldn't leave the house-  fast forward to now I'm running a business online and in-store with a small team and working with over 50 different small businesses and makers.

“What I love the most is it’s constantly evolving and I get to collaborate and support other small businesses.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony in London on May 18.

Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain which organises the awards, said: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the incredible small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and communities.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and tenacity of the nation’s small firms, particularly during such turbulent times.

"Nicci Simpson should be incredibly proud of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with her and Karl in May.”