HAVING already won the title of best small business in Exeter, Tina Walker, of Orange Blossom Spa, was happy when her firm came runner-up last year.

In fact, the winner at the Federation of Small Businesses Celebrating Small Businesses Awards 2007 was a former employee at Tina's Lower North Street spa.

She said: "Last year we lost to an ex-employee but she got her training from me, so I suppose that's a good thing!

"I think it's fantastic we came runner-up last year because we have recently been doing a lot to diversify the business.

"We have been quietly doing a lot of training, research and development. We are expanding into the corporate market and will soon be offering things like stress management therapy."

This year is particularly special for Tina and her team at Orange Blossom. They are celebrating their tenth anniversary in Exeter, as well as marking 18 years of being in business.

"To get recognition from the FSB after running my own business for 18 years means everything because having your own business is hard work," she said.

"We have been building up our reputation and to get that recognition is fantastic. I think winning the award also gave us a boost to keep us motivated and set on our long-term goals.

"When you have your own firm, you know you have to keep steady and keep on track, so to be recognised by both our clients and by the business community helps to keep you focused on that."

Tina joined the FSB when she opened Orange Blossom in Exeter 10 years ago.

She said: "At the moment times are very hard, particularly for small business, and any encouragement is good. There are lots of benefits to being an FSB member. They are at the end of the phone for any questions.

"It is a place where you can share your experiences and get advice from like-minded people.

"In terms of my business, at the end of October, I plan to be more involved in marketing and networking to help my business grow, and I will be using the FSB as a tool to do that."

There are two ways businesses can be nominated — they can nominate themselves or a client or employee can nominate them.

An entry form is included here and must be returned to the FSB, or submitted online through www.thisisexeter.co.uk, by Monday, September 29.

Forms can be posted at no cost to: Freepost FSB Region 121. Winners will be announced on October 31 at a ceremony at Havana Bar and Restaurant on Exeter Quay.