Entries open for the Rural Business Awards 2017
Rural firms from across Britain are being invited to get their entries in for an awards scheme designed specifically for the countryside sector.
Now in their third year, the Rural Business Awards (RBAs) are UK-wide business awards for rural enterprises. They are sponsored by Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, and operate in partnership with the CLA.
The RBAs are split into 13 categories including important aspects of the countryside economy such as Best Rural Diversification Project and Best Rural Manufacturing Business.
The RBAs are the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain – a sector of the economy they felt was all-too-often overlooked in favour of large city-based firms.
Awards co-founder Anna Price said: “We are so proud to be holding our Rural Business Awards for the third year running. Over the past two years, our judges have read about an extraordinarily diverse range of rural businesses in this category and in all the others, and we have been truly humbled by the amazing work that is being done all over the Great British countryside.
“As for this year’s awards, we urge as many rural businesses to get their entries to us as soon as possible. Entry is so quick and simple that all businesses need to do is tell us what they do best, and we’ll do the rest!”
So what is a rural business?
The CLA defines rural businesses as fitting into three broad categories: land-based businesses; land-related businesses and other businesses located in rural areas. The category list aims to draw together businesses from across these areas to acknowledge the breadth and depth of opportunity presented by the Great British countryside, as well as to celebrate the achievements of our rural businesses.
Backed by a range of high profile MPs, the awards are organised by rural businesses for rural businesses and judged by people who understand the rural sector, which is growing rapidly and employs in excess of 3.4 million people in more than 600,000 businesses across the UK.
With the partnership of the CLA plus the backing of previous winners, the awards founders feel they are once again positioned to generate considerable excitement, interest and pride in the achievements of the rural business sector.
CLA Director General Helen Woolley said: “The CLA is delighted to once again partner with the Rural Business Awards to highlight the vital contribution that rural businesses make to the countryside and to the wider economy.
“Our ambition for rural areas is no different to the rest of the economy. We want to see investment unlocked, to achieve greater productivity driving growth, the creation of jobs and an improved standard of living across our rural communities. By working with the Rural Business Awards I am confident successful and innovative rural businesses will have the chance to shine.”
This year’s awards ceremony will be held at Denbies Wine Estates in Surrey on October 5. The application window is now open and entries can be made up to June 30, 2017.
To enter, visit: www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk where you will find details about each category. There is a form to fill in and an entry fee of £50.
You can also nominate another business who you think deserves to be recognised in our awards. If you would like help with entering or advice on which category to choose, call 07908 722 497 or email office@ruralbusinessawards.co.uk.
