WHEN Rebecca Parkin's beauty salon was named best small business last year, it came as a complete surprise.

The hard-working beautician — who received her award from the Federation of Small Businesses at its Celebrating Small Businesses Awards 2007 — had only been running her salon, Lefroy Beauty Therapy, in Gandy Street, for a year when she was nominated.

"It was really good to win because it was so unexpected," said the 36-year-old.

"It was also good for us as a team. I think we won because of our loyal clients. We look after them and treat them like family, and they were over the moon when we won.

"People have been very impressed with the award and it assures our customers that we are good at what we do."

Employing three full-time members of staff, Lefroy offers treatments ranging from from waxing and hot stone massage to botox and hypnotherapy.

Rebecca joined the FSB when she took over the salon two years ago.

She said: "The FSB provides support for small businesses like mine. I have used the FSB for advice on things like employment and legal matters. It's nice to be able to phone them up for free with a question and to know that you always have that back-up."

For Rebecca, owning a small business means flexible hours and complete control, but with it comes a huge amount of responsibility as well.

She said: "I agreed to take over the salon, and then I found out that I was pregnant, so I spent my entire pregnancy running the salon six days a week.

"I even went into labour here and had to cancel two facials.

"But I have great staff and we understand each other. I think for us it's the experience and knowledge in our team that makes us work so well together.

"We each brought our own clients to the salon, and now we are definitely expanding and getting busier every year.

"I think the FSB is brilliant. I will definitely continue to be a member. It highlights small business in Exeter and hopefully more small business owners will get involved with it.

"I also think customers like to support local business. They know it's not easy for us and prefer to spend money with us rather than with big corporations."

There are two ways businesses can be nominated for this year's awards — they can either nominate themselves, or a client or employee can nominate them.

An entry form is included here and must be returned to the FSB by Monday, September 29.

Forms can be posted at no cost to: Freepost FSB Region 121.

Winners will be announced on Friday, October 31.

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