A WEST Somerset business was among 100 from around the country invited to join a special reception in the House of Lords to mark ‘Small Business Saturday’.

Our Precious Earth, in Minehead, was started by Keith Hunt in February this year after a ‘light bulb moment’ while doing a regular beach clean and seeing an increasing amount of plastic washed in on the tide.

Mr Hunt said: “I went home and researched plastic-free, sustainable products available, looked at properties to rent, and started a business plan.

“I wanted everything about my business to be as sustainable as possible using old fruit crates and scaffolding boards for shop fittings, eco-friendly paint, and incorporating items found on the beach to help display products.”

Our Precious Earth, in Holloway Street, sells a large range of toiletries, household items including refillable cleaning products, homeware, and a range of unique gift ideas.

The House of Lords event was hosted by ‘Small Business Saturday’ in partnership with campaign founder and principal supporter American Express to celebrate small business successes and encourage people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.

Our Precious Earth was featured in recognition of its inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

Mr Hunt said: “It is a real honour to be selected as one of the nation’s top 100 small businesses of 2023.”

Small business owners and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception, with both Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Technology and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti and the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy Jonathan Reynolds speaking at the event and meeting many of the entrepreneurs.

‘Small Business Saturday’ director Michelle Ovens said: “We really enjoyed hosting this special event at the House of Lords and marking the successes of Our Precious Earth, as well as seeing Small Business Saturday into its second decade in the UK.

“Small businesses are facing many challenges across the UK at the moment, and the aim of the campaign has always been to encourage entrepreneurs, boost support, and highlight the hugely positive impact of these firms on society and the wider economy.”

The grassroots, not-for-profit campaign was founded by American Express in the US in 2010.

It came to the UK more than a decade ago and is the country’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions around the value of small businesses and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms on the day.

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “The innovation and talent of firms like Our Precious Earth are vital to our economy and prosperity and it is right that we celebrate the incredible achievements that they have made.

“Small businesses are an irreplaceable part of our local communities which is why our recent Autumn Statement for growth is supporting them with a business rates support package worth £4.3 billion.”

A pile of floor coverings can be seen outside Our Precious Earth after September's flooding in Minehead.
A pile of floor coverings can be seen outside Our Precious Earth after September's flooding in Minehead. (Keith Hunt)

American Express UK merchant services general manager Dan Edelman said: “Small businesses contribute so much to local communities across the UK but continue to face a raft of challenges.

“That is why we continue to champion them and the inspiring entrepreneurs running these businesses through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday, and by encouraging our card members to shop with them all year round.”

• Mr Hunt’s shop was badly affected by flooding which hit business premises and homes in the area in September and he has since launched an online appeal to help meet the costs of recovering from the disaster, but has so far only brought in £40.

He said: “Unfortunately, when I was setting up my business, I could not get flood cover on my insurance as the town has had flooding in the past.

“As I had put all my money into the business, this has had an effect on my finances due to losing my specialised flooring underlay made from recycled vehicle tyres, and sustainable sisal carpet payed on top.

“I lost all stock at lower levels as, being plastic free, everything is packed in paper/cardboard packaging.

“I am looking forward to getting the shop back to normal, which will take a while due to my budget.”

Anybody who wants to support the appeal can find it here.