Unique Boutique Events has been crowned sole trader/freelancer of the year at the 2023 Devon Women in Business Award.

Unique Boutique Events run a Friday night pop up street food markets called Eats Boutique in Seaton, Sidmouth, Axminster and Lyme Regis. "Seaton Eats" as its affectionately known, started up in 2015.

Eleanor Carr, owner said: "I had a go in Sidmouth in 2018 and then the pandemic put a stop to our busy events. But we (me, my team and my food traders) came back stronger and I'll never forget the joyous crazy uplifting 1st market back in Seaton in 2021. We were then invited to pop up in Axminster, which came about in 2022, and I piloted Lyme Eats Boutique this year at Gun Cliff Walk."

Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach, who judged and presented the award said " how impressed she was that the business had not only weather the pandemic, but come back stronger."

Eleanor said: "I'm excited for 2024 to continue growing and diversify my business with plans to work as an event consultant for other events and festivals in the area to set sail with my pop up pub The Salty Arms as a mobile bar for private hire. 

"Winning this award against stiff competition from a fantastic cohort of women is such an accolade. Our events wouldn't be what they are without the continued support from all of our customers who come to our markets, and of course the brilliant street food traders who make work such fun. We're looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2024."

A pop up street food market on the Jurassic coast, Sidmouth Eats Boutique takes place on the 2nd Friday of the month.

The people who trade at our events are small businesses and sole traders who live right here in the south west. The events directly support up to 10 businesses each time.  By creating pop up street food markets Unique Boutique Events offers opportunities for traders to build a livelihood from street trading. They further contribute to building resilient local economies as many of us source  ingredients from local producers. The loyal caravan of traders come back time and again because they know we make great food markets that our communities value.