An Otterton businessman has taken a back seat following his battle with cancer and taken on a new co-owner to help run his business.

Simon Spiller and his wife Caroline jointly own Otterton Mill and have taken on a new business partner and co-owner William Casely, a former general manager of the Harvey Nichols store in Knightsbridge.

It follows Simon’s successful battle with cancer earlier this year. He has decided to take a temporary step back from the business for about 12 months in order to recover properly.

As an equal business partner William will share the general running of the business with Caroline.

Caroline said: “We are looking forward to William working closely with us to help transform the retail side of our business at a very difficult time for retailers across the UK.”

William said: “It really is going to be an exciting opportunity and I look forward to being part of something very special.”