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