A PIONEERING Stourbridge business is celebrating winning a prestigious regional award.

Zero waste shop Eco Maniax, based in The Ryemarket, claimed the Midlands and Central region Family Business of the Year title after an overwhelming response from its followers in a public vote.

The store beat off a host of other strong contenders to lift the crown - and even went on to finish a close second for the national title.

Opened in November 2019 by husband and wife team Caz and Dean Barratt, Eco Maniax specialises in plastic-free, waste-free food and toiletry products, selling goods like pasta, rice, nuts, flour, hand wash and others 'loose' for customers to bring their own, recyclable containers for.

It is proving hugely popular with shoppers looking to cut the amount of waste they generate and to reduce their carbon footprint.

The couple's three sons - Patrick, aged 20, Aaran, 16, and 15-year-old William regularly help out in the store.

The family learned of their success at an online awards ceremony, leaving boss Caz over the moon.

She said: "It was a great surprise - we were just looking forward to a good night and never expected to win!

"It has raised our profile a lot, we're really pleased.

"It was extra special because it was decided on a public vote, rather than by a panel of judges who don't know you."

The awards were organised by Family Business United, an organisation which looks to raise the profile of, and help bring together, family businesses - and Caz and her family already have one eye on next year's competition.

She added: "We'll enter again next year and try to go one better and win the national title - you never know, maybe next year we'll even get to go to a proper awards ceremony at The Savoy!"