The owner of a Huntingdonshire refill shop has expressed his "complete surprise" after his business was announced as the winner of a national environmental award.

In front of just under 300 people, the Refill Shop of Ikigai, based in St Ives, was crowned the Retail and Wholesale champion at The Good Small Business Awards 2023 on March 22.

The event was the UK's first business sustainability awards which were held to help promote and celebrate the good that small businesses do to create a better world.

The Hunts Post: Martin and Sarah Cooper with their trophy at the awards ceremony.Martin and Sarah Cooper with their trophy at the awards ceremony. (Image: Martin Cooper)

And Martin, and his wife, Sarah Cooper, were on hand at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool to accept the award and celebrate their achievement.

Martin Cooper, the owner of The Refill Shop of Ikigai, said: "It was a complete surprise and a great honour to win the award as we knew we were up against some great competition.

"We have worked really hard to ensure everything we do has a positive impact on our planet, and that what we do can help others to do their bit for our environment too."

READ MORE: New refill shop was 'now or never' moment for St Ives man

The distinguished judging panel all applauded the numerous ways the entries demonstrated the strategic importance of sustainability to their business or organisational activities.

To win in the Retail and Wholesale category, the judges sought the best small business that has achieved excellent sustainability impact within the industry.

READ MORE: Fancy a pint? St Ives Filling Station crowned UK's best independent beer shop

 

The Hunts Post: The Refill Shop of Ikigai aims to help make it easier for people to reduce waste, both plastic and landfill, and reuse and recycle what they already have.The Refill Shop of Ikigai aims to help make it easier for people to reduce waste, both plastic and landfill, and reuse and recycle what they already have. (Image: Martin Cooper)

The shortlisting criteria focussed on identifying evidence of responsible business practices that take conscious and ongoing steps to ensure that not only do they reduce harmful impacts but that their impact is good for people, for communities, and for the planet.

Martin added: "It was a truly inspirational event to attend, with so many people doing such great work to protect our planet and do some good for our world.

"And winning the award was the icing on the cake - a testament to the work we are doing to help our customers reduce their impact on our environment."