A jeweller’s shop, a dog grooming/pet sitting service and a ‘chocolate party’ organiser have been named among Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton’s best independent traders.

July is Independent Retailer Month UK - encouraging people to shop locally and appreciate the stand-alone traders who give our towns their individual character.

The initiative was launched in the UK in 2011 to highlight the importance of small independent businesses to the economy of their towns and cities.

Traders such as artisan food producers, coffee houses, quirky arts and crafts shops, vintage clothes retailers and zero waste stores bring a special vibe to local shopping areas. They’re also attractive to visitors, as a contrast to the chain stores and restaurants that are common in most high streets.

Also, by supporting local independent traders, shoppers are keeping money circulating in the local economy, benefiting the suppliers and service providers used by these businesses.

We asked visitors to our Facebook page to nominate their favourite independent businesses in Exmouth and Budleigh.

They singled out Truly Scrumptious Chocolate Workshops in Exmouth, Andrew Humphries Jewellers, which has shops in both towns, and Exmouth-based Just Purrfect Dog Walking, Grooming and Pet Sitting.

Local business award schemes also recognise and celebrate independent businesses. In last year’s Exmouth Business Awards, Wilsons Paints won ‘best small business/solopreneur’, while Coastline Mobility was named ‘best independent retailer’

Budleigh Salterton held its Business Awards earlier in July. Mercado Café and Deli won Solopreneur of the year, Georgie Porgie Puddings won ‘best small or medium enterprise’ and Rowan Tree Gifts won Retailer of the Year.