A NATIONWIDE hunt to find the best rural employers and local food and drink producers has begun.
Nominations have opened for this year’s Rural Business Awards, and organisers are seeking some of the hidden superstars among Gloucestershire’s businesses.
They’re keen to hear of any countryside-based businesses that deserve recognition for their excellence - from farm shops, food producers and growers to restaurants, bars, brewers and distillers.
The awards, in partnership with the CLA and Amazon, are split into 13 categories and are the only UK-wide programme dedicated to showcasing the success of rural businesses.
At last year’s awards, Gloucestershire-based Jolly Nice farm shop was awarded Highly Commended in the the Best Rural Food and Drink category.
The awards are the brainchild of Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, who felt that countryside entrepreneurs are often neglected in favour of city-based business awards.
Jemma said: “We aim to put that right and help these businesses grow by recognising their hard work and bringing them to a wider market.
"We are really excited to hear from the cream of Gloucestershire’s food and drink organisations.
"We know they’re out there - those little gems hidden away in the beautiful English countryside, cooking up a storm every day and well known to the locals, but not appreciated further afield."
The closing date for entries is Friday, June 30. To nominate your favourite business in the Best Rural Food and Drink category, log on to ruralbusinessawards.co.uk/enter.
Rural Business Award categories for 2017
1. Best Rural Start-up
2. Outstanding Rural Diversification Project
3. Best Rural Clothing or Accessories Business
4. Rural Innovation of the year
5. Best Rural Manufacturing Business
6. Best Rural Professional Services Business
7. Best Rural Creative or Media based Business
8. Social enterprise / community project of the year
9. Best Rural Tourism Business
10. Best Rural Sporting Business
11. Rural Employer of the year
12. Rural Entrepreneur of the year
13. Best Food & Drink Business
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