WEST Somerset businessman Keith Hunt has reached the finals of a new national competition recognising small businesses leading the way in embracing sustainability to innovate and drive growth.

Mr Hunt, who founded the Minehead shop Our Precious Earth two years ago this month, has been selected as a finalist for the first-ever ‘Green Growth Awards’ run by Small Business Britain (SBB) in partnership with BT.

Two winners who have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing sustainable initiatives will each receive a £5,000 sustainability grant to provide extra funding to invest further in their initiatives.

Mr Hunt impressed judges with his commitment to green growth, including his continued mission to raise awareness of the problems of unsustainable products by using upcycled items for fixtures and fittings in his shop and sourcing products from sustainable and ethical companies.

He said: “This is such exciting news.

“If I am lucky enough to receive one of the grants, I already have some projects lined up, having recently set up a community hub room at the shop.”

The community hub room allows small groups of people to meet up to discuss ‘all things green’ or even make themselves a drink after doing a litter pick.

Our Precious Earth, in Wellington Square, offers a wide range of eco-friendly home and gardening products, toiletries, and gift ideas.

Mr Hunt has previously won awards including being selected as one of the nation’s top 100 small businesses in 2023, and being a winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday awards.

Small Business Britain founder Michelle Ovens said: “The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth.

“These businesses are proving that greener practices not only benefit the planet but also create real business success, whether through cost savings, waste reduction, or deeper customer engagement.

“Their passion and commitment are making a real impact on their communities and the economy.”

BT chief commercial officer Chris Sims said: “The Green Growth Awards shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are not only driving sustainability but also setting the standard for innovation and growth.

“It is truly inspiring to see how these businesses are leveraging sustainable practices to achieve real business success and create positive change in their communities.

“We are really proud to support this initiative.”

Britain’s 5.5 million small businesses are estimated to represent half of the UK’s business carbon emissions and the award scheme was launched as part of SBB’s ongoing partnership with BT to empower businesses to better understand their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices and growth opportunities.

BT is also a member of the Willow Review Steering Board, a new independent review aiming to underline the financial case for sustainability for small businesses, which has been spearheaded by SBB and is backed by the Government.

Green Growth Awards winners will be announced at a special event in BT’s headquarters in London on March 11.