The Rural Business Awards 2019 ceremony was held last night (28th February), hosted by Jules Hudson, best-known as the leading face of the BBC’s rural property flagship Escape to the Country.
The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural economy; a sector which in England alone contributes £229bn to the nation’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – about a fifth of the country’s economic activity.
Following hundreds of entrants and a competitive shortlist process, including a new series of regional rounds, thirteen category winners and a “Founders’ Choice” award were announced at the event.
Founded by countryside-based business-women, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are supported by Amazon, as headline sponsor, and judged by an independent panel, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.
“The Rural Business Awards shines a much-deserved spotlight on the innovators, creators and inventors in rural communities across the UK and it’s great to celebrate their successes at this year’s national final,” said Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “The calibre of businesses entering this year’s awards has been higher than ever. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and wish them continued success for the future.”
Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said: “I am delighted that so many forward-thinking businesses have been honoured with these much-deserved awards. “From regional start-ups to global logistics firms, it is essential that we recognise the vital role of these organisations in helping to deliver a thriving rural and national economy.”
Scooping a new award for this year, “The Founders’ Choice” award was a North Wales enterprise, Adventure Parc Snowdonia – a world-first surf lagoon with tech-driven waves. Expansion plans for 2019 include a new indoor adrenaline area with artificial caving, parkour ninja trail and climbing walls; the launch of a fresh-air mountain bike hire station; and an adventure concierge service to help guests to explore the landscapes of North Wales with instructor-led activities including gorge walking, abseiling and coasteering. A Hilton Garden Inn, which will sit on the shores of the surf lagoon, is in development and due to open in 2020.
Commenting on their awards success, Andy Ainscough, Founder and Managing Director, Adventure Parc Snowdonia said: “Having started out as a surfing enthusiast and outdoor instructor, it’s been incredible to bring a world-class surfing destination to the foothills of Snowdonia. It’s been a real journey of transformation in every sense – both for us as a team and for our site, which we’ve cleaned up and developed from being a polluted post-industrial ruin to a beautiful flagship destination for the UK and focal point for the village and the local community. We’ve been absolutely delighted by the scale of popularity of our adventure parc, and we are so excited to show visitors our expanded proposition later this year, especially having now scooped this recognition from Amazon and the Rural Business Awards.”
The full list of national Rural Business Award winners:
- Best Rural Start-Up: Crwst, based in Cardigan, Wales
- Outstanding Rural Diversification Project: William’s Den, based in North Cave, Yorkshire
- Best Rural Retail Business: Durham Hens Limited, based in Tow Law, Durham
- Best Rural Manufacturing Business: Fen Farm Dairy Limited, based in Bungay, Suffolk
- Best Rural Professional Services Business: Birchill Access Consultancy, based in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
- Best Rural Creative or Media based Business: Rapture & Wright, based in Evenlone, Gloucestershire
- Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project of the Year: Cwmni Cymunedol Cletwr Cyf., based in Tre’r-ddol, Machynlleth
- Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business: Forest & Beach, based in Kingsbridge, South Devon
- The Founders’ Choice Award: Adventure Parc Snowdonia, based in Conwy, North Wales
- Best Rural Education or Training Business: Mini Explorers Nursery, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire
- Best Rural Food Business: Jolly Nice, based in Stroud, Gloucestershire
- Best Rural Drink Business: Hillside Brewery, based in Longhope, Gloucestershire
- Rural Employee of the Year: DG Light Haulage, based in King’s Newton, Derbyshire
To find out more about the Rural Business Awards, head over to their website.
