Finalists for first ever Norfolk Rural Business Awards are announced
The finalists for the inaugural Norfolk Rural Business Awards have been revealed.
The judges have drawn up a shortlist for each of the nine categories with the winners set to be announced at the Royal Norfolk Show on Thursday 27 June. The ceremony will take place at the Long Acre Marquee at the Norfolk Showground.
Norfolk County Council have joined forces with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) to create the awards which were launched at the Norfolk Farming Conference in February.
Councillor Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council said:
"The standard of entries was high, and we're delighted to have so many outstanding people shortlisted for the first ever Norfolk Rural Business Awards. There are some really innovative businesses and organisations to be found in the rural areas of our county and they deserve to be shouted about. I am looking forward to seeing the winners unveiled at next month's ceremony and I hope this event will become a regular feature at the Royal Norfolk Show."
Mark Nicholas, Managing Director at Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) said:
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Norfolk County Council to deliver these awards. The scheme highlights the outstanding people and businesses at the forefront of innovation and growth in our rural and farming communities. It is absolutely right that the awards are announced at the Royal Norfolk Show which has been at the forefront of innovation in agriculture for over 200 years."
The finalists for the Norfolk Rural Business Awards are:
Best Food Producer - (sponsored by Fountain Fresh Imports)
DJ Barnard
Norfolk and Better Ltd
Best Drink Maker - (sponsored by Woodforde's Brewery)
Barsham Brewery
The English Distillery
Best Rural Community Initiative - (sponsored by Aviva)
Clinks Care Farm Ltd
Gressenhall Community Enterprise
Best Farming Innovation Adopter - (sponsored by Lovewell Blake)
Ken Hill Farms & Estate Ltd
Place UK Ltd
Norfolk's Unsung Hero - (sponsored by Breckland District Council)
Max Hubble of Hub4Parts
David Holliday of Norfolk Brewhouse Ltd
Best Farming Champion - (sponsored by CLG Norfolk Ltd)
Ken Hill Farms & Estate Ltd
Mark Gorton
Best High Growth Business - (sponsored by New Anglia Growth Hub)
Albert & Arthur England Ltd
Bacon's Firewood
Walcott Farms
Best Emerging Talent - (sponsored by PlantGrow)
Felix Field
Tom Martin and Hannah Hetherington
Best Sustainable Land Use/Farming Exemplar - (sponsored by Birketts LLP)
Fischer Farms
Ken Hill Farms & Estate Ltd