Old Bag Store wins Barclays award

Enterprising family business The Old Bag Store in the South West has won award for best family firms. Dragon's Den and Raggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur, Levi Roots, joined Barclays Local Business in naming the South West's most dynamic business. The Devon based store has been chosen by Levi and a panel of Barclays experts to be a regional winner in the 'Family Affair' competition. The search highlights the importance of family firms and rewards the UK's best family businesses.

Winners from eight regions across the nation received cash prizes of £1,500 and a year of free business advice from Barclays, presented by Levi Roots at Barclays HQ in London. The overall winner, a Norfolk-based garden centre called Howard Nurseries, received a total cash prize of £5,500.

The Old Bag Firm is run by the Hurst family. headed up by Sally Hurst, she revels in the title of 'old bag'. Sally is joined by her husband Nick, and their five children - all of whom have product ranges named after them. They also help out with designing the bags, choosing colours and patterns, and IT and business support.

Barclays' 'Family Affair' competition launched in January, and has awarded a total of £17,500 in prize money to the UK's best family businesses.