East Devon businessman, James Swift, who started Car Mod Shop from a cupboard under the stairs, has won a prestigious award recognising two decades of building a company with global reach.
Car Mod Shop was named ‘Best E-Commerce Business’ at BizX 2026, one of the UK & Europe’s leading business events run by ActionCOACH. James was coached by local executive coach, Andrew de Groot of ActionCOACH Exeter.
The BizX 2026 Awards were held at the International Convention Centre in Wales on Thursday 16April. Hosted by TV presenter and sports anchor, Kirsty Gallacher, they celebrate excellence and innovation. The Best E-Commerce Business award recognises companies that perform strongly in online retail, with a clear focus on customer service, innovation and sustained digital growth.
Based in the picturesque village of Newton Poppleford, near Sidmouth, Car Mod Shop has grown into a thriving e-commerce business over the past 20 years. What began as a small side project has evolved into a major online retailer with some 10,000 products and around 150 orders dispatched daily. Remarkably, the company has over 250,000 positive customer reviews, reinforcing Car Mod Shop’s reputation for customer satisfaction.
Left to right: Andrew de Groot of ActionCOACH Exeter; Donna O’Toole from August Recognition, the sponsor of the award; James Swift of Car Mod Shop, winner of the Best E-Commerce Business at BizX 2026; and Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH.
James says he started out as a ‘boy racer’, with a passion for cars, who spotted an opportunity to turn his hobby into a business. Today, the company operates from Dotton Farm Business Units, serving customers across the UK and internationally while supporting the local economy and providing employment in East Devon. You could say Car Mod Shop is Newton Poppleford’s best kept secret.
Like many UK businesses, Car Mod Shop Ltd faced significant challenges during Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly around international trade. Through resilience, adaptability and a relentless focus on customer service, the business not only recovered and with expert coaching, has continued to thrive.
“I was shocked to win, but it feels like all the hard work over the years has paid off,” James says. “It was a real surprise, especially as I nearly didn’t enter. Andrew encouraged me to put the application in and I honestly thought it would be more of a learning experience for next year. To go on and win is amazing.”
Andrew de Groot praised his achievement: “I am intensely proud of James for winning Best E-Commerce Company at BizX ’26. The sheer level of grit and determination he has shown since the double challenge of Brexit and Covid has been inspiring. He bounced back so well by relentlessly delivering for his customers and for me, over 250,000 positive reviews say it all.
“He has a great team supporting him who will be chuffed. As an ActionCOACH working on businesses with clients, I can say very few entrepreneurs match James’ determination to grow as an individual and follow through on his promises. Roll on 2027 and more success!”
The BizX award is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for Devon, showcasing how a local business can compete and succeed on a national stage. Running an international e-commerce operation from East Devon, James’ story is a powerful example of local entrepreneurship with global reach.
About Car Mod Shop Ltd
Car Mod Shop is a Devon-based e-commerce business specialising in automotive lighting, accessories and vehicle enhancement products, serving customers across the UK and internationally. Founded by James Swift in 2006 in East Devon, the company has grown over 20 years into a trusted online retailer with more than 10,000 products, over 250,000 positive reviews. Known for its strong customer service, fast dispatch and deep niche expertise in car lighting, Car Mod Shop continues to innovate in the digital marketplace.
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Al Gibson
The founder of Countdown Creative, Alistair Gibson is an expert communicator who has learned how to harness principles of traditional journalism with the power of today’s digital media platforms. He has lived in Devon for 15 years and worked in Plymouth and Exeter.
