Rural businesses are being invited to enter the first ever awards focused specifically on countryside enterprises.

The Rural Business Awards (RBA) was created by rural marketing business Be Rural and is supported by the Country Land and Businesses Association (CLA) and sponsor Sturgess Motor Group.

Rural Business Awards joint founder Jemma Clifford said: “We finally have a dedicated set of awards just for our specialist rural sector.

“The Rural Business Awards will acknowledge the vital contribution rural companies make, encourage the countryside’s superb entrepreneurial spirit and recognise business excellence within the rural sector.”

Businesses are being invited to submit entries in one or more of 10 different categories:

1. Best New Rural Start-up

2. People’s Choice Award

3. Best Renewable Energy Project

4. Outstanding Farm Diversification Project

5. Best Rural Apparel Product or Brand

6. Outstanding Agricultural Innovation

7. Outstanding Manufacturing Business

8. Best Rural Professional Services Business

9. Best Rural Construction Project

10. Best Rural Field Sport, Equestrian or Rural Recreational Business

The closing date for entries is 24 April with judging taking place on 14 and 15 May. A £50 entry fee applies.

CLA director general Helen Woolley said: “We are delighted to support these awards.

“It is vitally important we recognise the innovation and excellence that I see present every day in businesses across the countryside. These awards will showcase some of the inspirational businesses that we can all learn from.”

For more information click the link below.