Nicci Simpson, a business woman from Ottery St Mary, has been named in the UK’s Top Female Entrepreneurs of 2024, a campaign that highlights inspiring female business leaders across UK.

Nicci is the owner and founder of Devon Eco Boutique, a hub for unique gifts, practical products and preloved children’s wear, offering products that are good quality and kinder on the planet. The collection ranges from handmade jewellery to beautiful home décor, all of which are sourced from small businesses in the UK. Nicci is one of just 100 women who has been recognised in the list.

She said: “It was absolutely amazing opening the email to say I made the list. It doesn’t feel real. It’s such an impressive list of female entrepreneurs and I’m just really excited and grateful to be a part of it.”

The goal of the fEntrepreneur #iAlso2024 campaign is to celebrate the dynamic and inspirational businesses led by women across the UK. As well as founding Devon Eco Boutique, Nicci is a mental health advocate and mother to her young son.

Find out more about the campaign here.

See more from Visit Ottery St Mary

How well do you know this Ottery export?

  • 3 minute read

Valentine’s Day might be over but in Ottery, birthplace of one of Britain’s best loved romantic poets, the romance never ends. Another thing you’ll find in droves is references to the region’s literary connections, Ottery St Mary inspired the Weasley’s home in Harry Potter after all! As World Book…

Learn More

Line up announced for Beautiful Days

  • 1 minute read

This August music lovers from all over will make the trip to Ottery St Mary for Beautiful Days – a family-friendly weekend camping festival, which takes place at Escot Park every year. Founded by the Levellers, Beautiful Days has been taking place since 2003. Independently run, the festival has no…

Learn More

See the first signs of spring in Ottery St Mary

  • 2 minute read

With the start of a new month comes the first signs of a new season. Spring is just around the corner and you can see the first glimpses of warmer weather and brighter colours here in Ottery St Mary. One of the first signs of spring is the flowers that start budding around the middle of January and…

Learn More

Have a bracing start to the New Year | Wild swimming spots

  • 3 minute read

If you’re looking for a new hobby this year or you want something bracing to kickstart your year, why not have a go at wild swimming? Wild swimming is exactly what it says on the tin, it’s exploring the world’s natural swimming spots. It’s a popular way of exploring the countryside, seeing the world…

Learn More

4 reasons to visit East Devon this winter season

  • 2 minute read

Ottery St Mary and the East Devon region is beautiful no matter what the season, but there is something quite magical about visiting during the winter. If you are in the mood for a day trip or weekend away over the next month or so, see if we can convince you to spend some time in Ottery St Mary or…

Learn More