It’s time to shout about what we’re good at, says Rebecca
Exposure for South West food and farming businesses has helped earn the region fame as a top producer of quality produce. Athwenna Irons reports on one farm business owner’s efforts to encourage more rural winners
ACORNISH farming business owner is backing calls for fellow rural entrepreneurs to showcase their work, products and services to the nation by entering a coveted national competition.
St Ewe Free Range Eggs, based in Tregony near Truro, recently scooped the title of Best Rural Food Business at the first virtual final of the 2020-21 Rural Business Awards, backed by Amazon.
Nestled on the stunning Roseland Peninsula, the independent familyowned firm offers one of the most unique ranges of eggs on the market, which are available both regionally and nationwide and includes the scientifically developed and highly nutritious ‘Super Eggs’.
Now its founder and chief executive, Rebecca Tonks, has launched an entry drive and is encouraging all rural businesses in Cornwall to enter the 2021-22 Rural Business Awards, with the application deadline for this year’s competition closing on Friday, May 21.
She said: “We were honoured to be a part of the Rural Business Awards last year and receiving recognition from a company like Amazon has given the team, our producers and many of our suppliers a real boost which has been so important during a difficult time for the industry.”
Now in their seventh year, the Rural Business Awards are organised by rural business for rural business, to celebrate the achievements of rural companies and develop a strong network for rural business owners.
There are 13 categories businesses can enter, ranging from Best Rural Start-Up Business and Best Rural Diversification Project, through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and The Triumph Over Adversity Award.
Shortlisted businesses will compete first in the regional finals, which will take place virtually in the North, East, Midlands, South East, South West and Wales and Northern Ireland throughout October and November 2021. The grand final will take place early next year, where winners from the regional heats will compete for the coveted national titles.
John Boumphrey, UK country manager for Amazon, explained: “Since 2015, the Rural Business Awards has presented more than 400 awards and crowned 84 national winners and we’re looking forward to celebrating more regional business heroes this year.
“Rural communities are home to some of the UK’s most creative and innovative businesses and it’s important to shine a light on not only their performance, but the contribution of these rural enterprises to the local and national economy.”
The Rural Business Awards is the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain.
Ms Clifford added: “We are optimistic about the future of the rural business sector after such a challenging time, and we are excited to celebrate the best rural businesses the UK has to offer. We encourage all rural businesses to sign up before May 21 to be in with a chance of winning an award.”
The national final awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Rural businesses can submit their award entries for any of the 13 categories by visiting the website: www. ruralbusinessawards.co.uk/enter2021