24 February 2025
Bira member Keith Hunt, a Minehead businessman, has reached the finals of a new national competition celebrating small businesses that are leading the way in sustainability while driving growth.
Hunt, who founded the eco-friendly shop Our Precious Earth in Minehead just two years ago, is a finalist in the inaugural Green Growth Awards, organised by Small Business Britain (SBB) in partnership with BT.
The Green Growth Awards aim to recognise small businesses that have successfully implemented sustainable practices to not only protect the environment but also drive innovation and growth. Two winners will each receive a £5,000 sustainability grant to further invest in green initiatives, and Hunt’s business impressed the judges with his commitment to sustainability.
Keith said: "This is such exciting news! If I'm successful in getting the award, the money will be a huge benefit to my business' continual sustainable journey for my customers and our environment."
Hunt has made sustainability a central focus of Our Precious Earth, with the shop showcasing upcycled fixtures and fittings, as well as sourcing products from ethical and sustainable companies. He is passionate about raising awareness of the problems posed by unsustainable goods and providing an alternative. The shop, located in Wellington Square, offers a wide range of eco-friendly home and gardening products, toiletries, and gift items. It also serves as a community hub where local groups can gather, discuss sustainability, and even join in activities like litter picking.
His entrepreneurial success has been recognised in the past. In 2023, he was named one of the UK’s top 100 small businesses and also won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday award.
As a finalist, Keith Hunt now stands among the leading businesses in the UK setting a high standard for sustainability, with the opportunity to further invest in environmentally responsible initiatives.
Hear from Keith Hunt on the Latest High Street Matters Podcast
High Street Matters will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve.
This latest episode features Keith Hunt, owner of Our Precious Earth, whose zero-waste shop in Minehead demonstrates how sustainability can drive business success.
Listen to Greening the High Street today.
Related News
-
MP report highlights need for cash acceptance as Bira claims high street retailers must be considered
Declining cash acceptance could lead to a ‘two-tier society’, a new report from the Treasury Committee has warned, with Bira emphasising that independent retailers must be considered in any future decisions on mandating cash payments.
-
Economic growth surges to 0.7%, but "April reality check" looms for high street retailers
A surprising 0.7% economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 has defied gloomy predictions, but retailers face an imminent "reality check" as April's tax increases begin to bite, according to Bira.
-
IRC Quarterly Heartbeat Survey - Q1 2025
Bira and and other members of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) are gathering data on high street business performance throughout the year.
-
Retail sales growth cautiously welcomed by Bira, with calls for continued support
Bira has warned that independent high street shops are facing a "perfect storm" of declining in-store sales and rising costs, despite modest overall growth in the retail sector.