A Llandeilo textile company has won one of the UK's major retail awards just four years after being established.

Welsh Otter was named Best Rural Retail Business at the national final of the Amazon-backed Rural Business Awards which took place earlier this week.

"It's such a boost to win this as we've put a great deal of care and passion into each product and are incredibly grateful to all our customers for their support," said Kim Otterburn from the company.  "Winning this shows what you can do with creativity and passion for something you believe in.” 

Welsh Otter was set up in 2018 and sells interior and homeware products created by traditional and innovative designers across Wales that use sustainable textiles. Each creative designer that the company highlights is rooted in Welsh heritage, but also uses eco-friendly materials such as wool, organic cotton and recycled yarns to create their products. The company sells these products, as well as its own range of textiles and blankets, through an online shop and at their physical store in Tenby. 

The Rural Business Awards this year celebrates its seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. 

“Rural businesses are a vital part of the UK economy and our awards do an incredible job of shining a light on their importance and achievements,” said John Boumprey on behalf of the awards team.  “I’d like to congratulate Welsh Otter on their win and wish them every success for the future.” 

The companies had the chance to enter 13 different categories, ranging from Best Rural Start Up Business and Best Rural Innovation through to The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award. The winners were decided by an independent panel of judges selected from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies and rural charitable organisations.