This year saw a huge shift in the way we run the Awards, the first year we held Regional Finals. Each finalist at the National Awards had already triumphed in their local region. We held the 6 regional ceremonies over three weeks in October 2018 – travelling in excess of 1200 miles and meeting over 700 rural businesses!
The regional awards were only possible with the support of our regional sponsors and the overwhelming number of entries from businesses across the country. We confirmed our feeling that rural businesses have a strong regional sense of identity, and shared pride in their local area.Jules Husdon returned to compere the evening and we were pleased to welcome our headline sponsor Amazon UK to open the awards.After the ceremony, the Funtime Frankies took to the stage and kept us all dancing well into the night!
“We are overwhelmed by the success of our Rural Business Awards, which with support from Amazon, have done much to champion countryside-based firms across Britain. Huge congratulations to all those who have been successful in our national awards, following the tough regional heats.
Anna Price
Co-founder of The Rural Business Awards
“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. 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.”
Doug Gurr
UK Country Manager, Amazon.
“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.”