Craig Williams MP is urging residents to support their favourite local rural businesses in nominating them for the Countryside Alliance Awards 2024.
Dubbed the ‘Rural Oscars’, the Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise and heritage through our small hard-working businesses.
Now in their 17th year, the Awards are of huge prestige and have honoured thousands of local rural businesses, highlighting the efforts of many people for the benefit of their rural communities.
Nominations are made by the public over the below 6 categories:
- Local Food/Drink – Have they put the community on the map via the quality and diversity of local produce being sold?
- Village Shop/ Post Office – Are they the cornerstone of the village and breathed life into the community and local economy?
- Butcher – Is traditional butchery at the heart of the enterprise or have they brought a modern twist to this ancient skill?
- Rural Enterprise – Is this business a growing asset to its community and making a real contribution?
- Pub – Would winning this competition reward a really special enterprise and tell a positive story about rural life while championing local food and drink?
- Clarissa Dickson Wright Award – this Award centres on her belief in campaigning, educating and prioritising slow food, taste, quality and support for our farmers and producers.
Nominations are open now until 12th November 2023, with regional finalists first announced in December 2023. The national winners will be crowned at the grand final at the House of Lords in June 2024. Nominations for your favourite local businesses can be made online at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards.
Craig Williams MP said:
“The Countryside Alliance Awards are an excellent platform in celebrating small rural businesses who are going the extra mile within their communities, promoting those who are working hard to keep rural Britain thriving.
“Montgomeryshire’s local produce is second to none and there are so many community heroes and businesses across the constituency who are absolutely deserving of national recognition. Last year’s Awards saw two Montgomeryshire businesses reach the Wales regional finals – an absolute testament to their hard work and the service they provide to their communities.
“It would be fantastic to bring a Rural Oscar to Montgomeryshire, so please get nominating your favourite local businesses!”
