AN INDEPENDENT sustainability business in Worcester has stressed the importance of supporting Worcester businesses after winning a prestigious industry award.

Pack It In - Zero Waste Living, in The Cornmarket, has won the Sustainable Business Award at The Muddy Awards 2023, run by Muddy Stilletos, for Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The shop sells a wide range of food items, toiletries, detergents, and lifestyle items, which help people to live a more sustainable lifestyle and minimise waste.

Phillipa Gilfillan, the owner of Pack It In - Zero Waste Living, said she and the team were overwhelmed by the news that they won the award.

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She said: "It is wonderful, we have been so overwhelmed with the news and the continued support from our loyal customer base.

"There is a formal ceremony in a few weeks and this award means we are now through to the national awards which is exciting."

Pack It In - Zero Waste Living was previously based in The Gallery on the Shambles, but opened at the new location in February.

Mrs Gilfillan emphasised the importance of supporting independent businesses like Pack It In.

She said: "It has been a big year for us with the move to the Cornmarket and I feel that supporting local businesses in this current climate has never been more fundamental. 

"It is really important for people to get out and shop locally."

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Mrs Gilfillan previously taught at Northwick Manor Primary School in Worcester for 22 years and opened the business in 2018.

The Cornmarket shop was previously occupied by Be The Change's Bake A Difference bakery, which closed in 2022.

The Muddy Awards 2023 had 77,000 businesses nominated and 800,000 votes cast in 2023. 

Muddy Stilettos is described as the 'urban guide to the countryside in 28 counties across the UK'.