Upcott House

Upcott House is a new breed of B&B. With impeccable green credentials (the business runs a Nissan Leaf electric car, rears pigs and poultry for its English breakfasts and is installing 10kw solar panels to produce 'home-made' energy), the family-run business is also a bona fide social enterprise. The business works with Young Devon, the Youth Offending Team, the Social Services and the Housing Department to provide temporary emergency accommodation and opportunities for settled accommodation so that young people can develop independent living skills. Upcott House is also the only Electric Vehicle Charging Point between Exeter, Bristol and Cornwall as part of the government's 'Plugged in Places' scheme. This has eco-benefits but it also makes good business sense too: any EV user who wishes to re-charge their car will have to stop for a 'Fast Charge' at the B&B. The business has grown a healthy 21% year-on-year since 2001.

• Moving towards total self-sufficiency by generating home-made energy and growing produce
• Works with local community organisations to help young people
• Only member of the 'Plugged in Places' scheme in the area