The Countryside Alliance Awards are back and open to nominations

The Countryside Alliance Awards, or the 'Rural Oscars', are back and open to nominations! Rewarding the very best of our produce, enterprise, heritage, and communities, the Awards recognise and honour those who go the extra mile for their community and are regarded as the rural award to win.

There are 5 categories in which businesses can be nominated:

• Local Food/Drink - Have they put the community on the map due to the quality and diversity of local produce being sold?

• Village Shop/ Post Office – Are they the cornerstone of the village, breathing life into the community and local economy?
• Butcher - Is traditional butchery at the heart of the enterprise with high regard for animal welfare and/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 to the local economy?
• Pub - Would winning this competition reward a special enterprise and tell a positive story about rural life while championing local food and drink?

Nominations will be open until Sunday 13 November. The regional finalists will be announced later in November and our regional winners will be chosen a bit differently this year. We'll be opening the vote to the public, letting you choose your favourite. Those voted as the regional winners will then go forward to the grand final, with the Champions Reception being held at the House of Lords in May 2023. You can click here to find out more.

The Countryside Alliance Awards have been going on for over 16 years and have told the stories of some amazing rural businesses. The alumni read like a who's who trade directory of outstanding rural enterprises. From the Chatsworth Estate and Mr Filberts, to Black Cow Vodka and Two Farmers Crisps, we've have been recognising excellence and entrepreneurship whilst connecting with rural businesses and communities to ensure that only the best of the best are crowned Countryside Alliance Awards Champions.

The Awards have been acknowledged as 'the rural business awards to win' by those involved, recognising and understanding the value of them and what winning has meant for their business. .

Nominates are now open, and you can nominate and celebrate your favourite rural business here.