Oxfordshire rural firms urged to enter the Rural Business Awards 2017

[dropcap type =”circle”]B[/dropcap]usinesses based in the Oxfordshire countryside are being invited to blow their own trumpet by entering this year’s Rural Business Awards (RBAs) – a scheme uniquely for countryside-based enterprises.
Now in their third year, the RBAs are the only 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 Best Rural Diversification Project and Best Rural Sports Business as well as Best Food and Drink Business and Best Rural Innovation.
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.
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 3.4million people in more than 600,000 businesses across the UK.
Winners in the thirteen categories will be decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, official agencies and rural charitable organisations.
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.”
To enter, go to www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk where you will find details about each category. There is a simple form to fill in and an entry fee of £50. For more information ring 07908 722 497 or email office@ruralbusinessawards.co.uk