These two Torbay-based businesses take top spots in South Devon awards

Brixham businesses Kick Up The Arts and The Cove Discovery Project have been celebrated in MP Caroline Voaden’s Support Local competition, which recognises South Devon’s greenest, friendliest, and most creative small businesses.

The Cove Discovery Project, which focuses on conservation, education, and community initiatives, was crowned greenest small business. A spokesperson added: “Receiving recognition, in any form, is very much appreciated. We are proud of what we have achieved over the last two years as The Cove Discovery Project.

"This is the second business award for us this year and it has set us up beautifully for a great 2026 ahead.

"Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to Caroline for creating the competition to support the local economy in this way. Out of the three categories, Brixham won two of them, so we are super proud of our community also.”

Kick Up The Arts was named most creative small business. The organisation said: “In a constituency renowned for creativity we are thrilled to be voted Most Creative Small Business & to be bringing it home for Brixham.”

Dutch Quality Flowers, based in Totnes, was recognised as the friendliest small business.

Launched last month, Voaden asked her followers on social media to nominate small businesses across her constituency that stood out for their creativity, friendliness, or commitment to sustainability.

She visited each winner ahead of Small Business Saturday 2025 to congratulate them in person and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses.

Voaden said: “The response to my Support Local competition was amazing. I loved seeing everyone nominating the small businesses that contribute so much to their local communities. I wish I could have given an award to everyone, but having visited the winners I can absolutely see why they came out on top!

“The Liberal Democrats have been crystal clear with the Government about the difficult circumstances many small businesses are operating in today and what they can do to help them.

"Before the Budget, we proposed a 5% cut on VAT for hospitality businesses, which the Chancellor ignored. We also called for reform of business rates. Instead, Labour tinkered around the edges. For a party committed to growth, they appear to lack the appetite for the large-scale reforms needed. More ambition is sorely needed.”

Small Business Saturday was created to celebrate the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses and encourage the public to shop locally.