Bira member Keith Hunt, reaches finals of prestigious Green Growth Awards

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.