Rural Business Awards shortlist announced
After a record-breaking year for nominations, the finalists of the Rural Business Awards 2017 have finally been revealed. Working in partnership with the CLA and Amazon, the awards’ main aim is to recognise businesses operating in the rural sector. An independent panel of judges met up in early July to discuss who would make it to the final five in each of the awards’ thirteen categories.
Amongst the industry-leading judges picking the final shortlist was our very own Marketing Director, Kate Middleton, who was invited to help judge the Rural Diversification Project Award, the Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Best Rural Sporting Business Award on behalf of the Farm Business Innovation Show.
The diversification category recognises traditional farms that have adapted with the times to retain their heritage by exploring other revenue streams - and this year has seen a surge of entries with some brilliantly imaginative and successful schemes.
One of the unique businesses to make it to the final five is Mini Explorers Nursery, the UK’s only farm school nursery offering early years childcare on the family’s 260-acre arable farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Steph Pybus, the nursery’s founder, was looking for a nursery for her six children that would offer the same carefree outdoor lifestyle they led at home. When she didn’t find what she was looking for, she spotted a business opportunity and decided to create it herself. She quickly sold her textiles business and took over the tenancy on two office units at her husband’s family farm at Crabtree Hall to create a unique farming-focused childcare nursery.
Wold Top Brewery is another great example of a farm that has embraced diversification. After noticing a fall in revenue from their traditional farming income stream, the Mellor family knew they had to make some changes if they wanted to keep their farm economically stable. Fast forward to today, the 600-acre family farm in Yorkshire Wolds has diversified into brewing, bottling, wedding and events!
Amazon’s UK Country Manager and keynote speaker at Farm Business Innovation, Doug Gurr, said: “The depth and breadth of this year’s shortlist demonstrates the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of rural businesses.”
“There was stiff competition to get shortlisted, so I want to congratulate all the companies that entered and celebrate their work in building growing businesses, creating jobs, and innovating in rural Britain. Good luck to them all.”
“Each of these outstanding rural businesses deserve a place in the final,” said the CLA’s Director General, Helen Woolley. “They have shown great expertise in their field and have a real understanding of how their business fits into the rural economy. I wish each and every one good luck at the awards ceremony in October.”
CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE SHORTLIST BELOW
Outstanding Rural Diversification Project
Flowers from the Farm Ltd
Iscoyd Park LLP
Knitsley Farm Shop
Mini Explorers Nursery
Wold Top Brewery
Rural Entrepreneur of the Year
Crwst
Holdsworth PR
Iscoyd Park LLP
Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
Williams Automobiles Ltd
Rural Innovation of the Year
APT Fabrics Ltd
Engineering Technologies & Manufacturing Ltd
The Wellbeing Farm
Winch Energy Ltd
Zettlex (UK) Ltd
Best Rural Tourism Business
Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village
Ceridwen Centre Ltd
Hoe Grange Holidays
Humble Bee Leisure
The Rookery (The Rookery Roughlee Holiday Cottage)
Best Rural Start-up
Cotswolds Distillery
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd
herdysleep
Madley Plants
The Dog Treat Company
Best Rural Clothing or Accessories Business
APT Fabrics Ltd
Butler Stewart Clothing
Derriere Equestrian Ltd
Emma Brown Tweed
Loopy Ewes
Best Rural Manufacturing Business
APT Fabrics Ltd
Cotswold RAW
James Kittow Butcher & Grazier
Mike Wye & Associates Ltd
Yurts for Life
Best Rural Professional Services Business
Appetite Me
ET Landnet Ltd
Greenway Training
McCartneys LLP
Roythornes Limited
Best Rural Creative or Media-based Business
Farm Creative
Holdsworth PR
Rural Maps
Rural Roots PR
The Artisan Food Trail
Social Enterprise/Community Project of the Year
Communigrow
Field Nurse
Infused Learning
Rhubarb Farm CIC
Warden Abbey Vineyard
Best Rural Sporting Business
Divoky Riding School
E.J.Churchill Shooting Ground
Lavant House Stables
Radway Riding School
The Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club
Rural Employer of the Year
Engineering Technologies & Manufacturing Ltd
Hartley Farm Shop Ltd
Mike Wye & Associates Ltd
T.Soanes & Son Poultry
Wallops Wood Cottages
Best Rural Food & Drink Business
Cobbs Farm Co. Ltd
Cowdray Farm Shop Ltd
Jolly Nice Ltd
Mash Direct
T.Soanes & Son Poultry
The final winners will ultimately be revealed at the award ceremony, which will be held at Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey, on the 5th of October.
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