BEST RURAL START-UP
This award celebrates new businesses and will recognise those that demonstrate the journey that they have taken towards establishing a business that is excelling in its chosen market. This will be demonstrated by sharing with us a clear strategy, with an understanding of the marketplace as well as targets that have been met or exceeded in relation to growth and financial performance. The winning business will have created the foundations for continued commercial success.
Open to any UK organisation that began trading within the last 3 years, this award will go to the company that best demonstrates the following:
- A well articulated strategy for growth
- Strong business and financial results
- Demonstration of the achievement of the aims and objectives identified upon start up
- Potential for sustained growth
- A clear understanding of the market and customers to whom the business is selling
- An Innovative or entrepreneurial approach to business
- Customer and staff engagement
- Effective leadership, operation and management
- An ethical approach to business
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.
Headline Sponsor
“We’re delighted to be backing the Rural Business Awards to help shine a spotlight on the best of rural businesses – small and large alike. The Awards present an opportunity to collectively recognise and celebrate achievements in the UK’s rural economy.” Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager for Amazon,
Finalists 2017
Cotswolds Distillery
BEST RURAL START UP FINALIST 2017
We are the first (and currently only) full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We produce the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Dry Gin, as well as a selection of other small-batch spirits and liqueurs.
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd
BEST RURAL START UP FINALIST 2017
Dunnet Bay Distillery is located in the wilderness of the far north of Scotland. The distillery is most renowned for producing the multi-award winning Holy Grass Vodka and Rock Rose Gin, which feature a selection of local and traditional botanicals.
herdysleep
BEST RURAL START UP FINALIST 2017
Launched in February 2017, herdysleep is the first mattress of its kind to combine the luxury of craftsmanship with the compact convenience of a bed-in-a-box. Traditionally tufted and finished by hand, each mattress contains up to an industry leading 6,000 pocket springs, topped with a cloud-like blend of cotton, cashmere and wool from local Herdwick sheep.
Madley Plants
BEST RURAL START UP FINALIST 2017
An independent, family run business, growing and selling top quality British plants. Our on site cafe serves excellent tea and coffee, home made delicious cakes and locally produced ice cream.
The Dog Treat Company
BEST RURAL START UP FINALIST 2017
Artisan bakers of all natural dog treats using the finest human grade herbs, oils, spices and meats based in Devon.
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0116 380 0525
office@ruralbusinessawards.co.uk
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HALL OF FAME
Jolly Nice
WINNER: BEST RURAL START UP 2016
A family run, sustainable local farm shop and take away cafe in rural Gloucestershire, using local suppliers and creating Harriet’s Jolly Nice ice cream.
Lily Warne Wool
WINNER: BEST RURAL START UP 2015
A Mother & son partnership based on the family farm in Chudleigh, Devon. Lily Warne make pure Devon wool from their own flock of Greyface Dartmoor sheep.
Entry Guidelines
Download the full list of categories and entry guidelines here.
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