A BUSINESS owner who survived the pandemic and a devastating flood has something to cheer about after winning a national award.

Sam Carr has been crowned Britain's greatest Sole to Sole Trading small business at the Small Awards.

She founded the Snug Bookshop and Café in Bridgwater in 2018 but was forced to relocate after losing the roof of her shop and suffering devastating water damage in 2021.

Sam now runs the bookshop from premises in Huish Episcopi, Langport, after moving the entire shop including hundreds of books to its new home.

On winning the award, she said: "The last 18 months have not been easy, but having already made it through a global pandemic, I was determined to find The Snug a new home, and continue the outreach work with schools.

"To be celebrating Independent Bookshop Week in our new home, knowing that we have been recognised in this way is really overwhelming.

"I‘m so honoured to have won this award, although to be honest, I’m just really glad to still be open.

"I thank everyone for their continued support.”

The award was delivered to Sam as she was unable to collect if from comedian Sue Perkins at a celebration event in central London as she was hosting an author event at The Snug.

Sam was previously a regional finalist for Independent Bookshop of the year in the British Book Awards 2021.

To date the social enterprise arm of the business, The Fill a Bookshelf Scheme. has donated more than 450 books to local schools.

Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards, said: "Congratulations to The Snug, who impressed our team and judges with their inspiring entrepreneurship and commitment to serving customers and their community.

“It remains a challenging time for the whole small business community, but it is so positive to celebrate the amazing contribution of small firms like The Snug Bookshop.”

The Small Awards are judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts.

Guests at the presentation event were treated to entertainment by Europe’s largest gay male choir, the London Gay Men’s Chorus, along with fine food and drink by independent caterers.