RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Innovation come in many forms; from new products and services to new ways of approaching old problems, or developing new business cultures this award celebrates the ideas that have had the greatest impact on an organisation or industry. Judges will look for evidence of how the innovation has been developed and applied to improve the lives of those living or working in rural locations, improve a businesses’ commercial performance, operational effectiveness or customer engagement.
Open to any organisation operating in the public, private or third sector, this award will go to the company that can best demonstrate an innovation or innovative approach that has:
• Transformed or positively impacted the rural way of life, the business or wider industry
• Created competitive advantage
• Contributed to significant business growth and improved overall financial performance
• Achieved significant improvements in operational excellence
• Enabled the delivery of new ethical or sustainable practices
• Helped staff deliver better customer service • Increased market share or customer loyalty
The entry criteria provided act as a guide only. If you are unsure what to include or how to present it, please contact the RBA office.
Presented by
Kate is the Marketing Director at Prysm Media Group, the UK’s largest independent event and conference organiser.Kate has extensive experience in the organisation and management of a diverse range of events in the UK and internationally, in addition to lecturing, practical training and team development.
Kate Middleton
Farm Business Innovation
Zettlex (UK) Ltd
BEST RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2017
Zettlex is a sensors business. Our logo includes the strapline ‘Precision in the Extreme’ and it captures the essence of the business:- high accuracy position and speed sensors for harsh environments. Zettlex technology often forms the critical components in amazing machines such as space rockets, surgical robots, submarines and satellites.
The Wellbeing Farm
BEST RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2017
From derelict sheep farm to wedding venue, The Wellbeing Farm located in between Bolton and Blackburn in Lancashire seeks to provide unique rustic weddings which are fun, quirky and magical. With bow tie wearing Llamas and donkeys, we seek to deliver weddings with the WoW factor.
APT Fabrics Ltd
BEST RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2017
APT Fabrics manufacture high performance breathable laminated fabrics. Our performance fabrics are currently used in the production of all wet weather gear for Police forces in the UK. Aclimatise is our award winning, technically advanced range of outdoor thermoregulating waterproof clothing. We also offer consultancy and lecture to students at University and Colleges on performance waterproof fabrics, their benefits and usage.
Longthorne Gunmakers (Engineering Technologies & Manufacturing Ltd)
BEST RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2017
We manufacture sporting shotguns by combining the very best the modern world has to offer by way of material and technology, with traditional methodology and classic English shotgun design. We are a 100% English owned family company and we manufacture every part of our guns in house and tailored to our client’s requirements.
Winch Energy Ltd
BEST RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2017
Winch Energy is a global, off-grid renewable energy developer that brings a rare combination of solar design and construction expertise, providing sustainable, wired access to power off-grid communities, industries and infrastructures at cost-effective rates.
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office@ruralbusinessawards.co.uk
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HALL OF FAME
The Extraordinary John Starkey (Starkey’s Fruit Limited)
WINNER: RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR 2016
A major fruit grower based at Norwood Park in Nottinghamshire, where three generations of Starkey’s have been farming since 1910.
DG Light Haulage Limited
RUNNER UP: RURAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR 2016
A transport, logistics and warehousing specialist covering UK and Europe from its bases in Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Entry Guidelines
Download the full list of categories and entry guidelines here.
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