Amazon is encouraging rural businesses in Wales to showcase their work, products and services to the nation at the 2019/2020 Rural Business Awards, which closes for entries on 7th June. At last year’s event, six Welsh businesses won awards – more than any other region in the UK.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia, which offers the UK’s only guaranteed surf break, was the winner of the overall Founders’ Award, as well as being named runner-up for Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business.

Outright winners in their categories were Birchill Access Consultancy from Aberystwyth, which won Best Rural Professional Services Business; Crwst, from Cardigan, which won Best Rural Start-Up and Ceredigion-based community business Cwmni Cymunedol Cletwr Cyf which won Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project of the Year. Runners-up, along with Adventure Parc Snowdonia, were Dyfi Distillery for Best Rural Drink Business and Llaeth Y Llan for Best Rural Manufacturing Business.

The Rural Business Awards 2019, backed by Amazon, marks its fifth year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.

Speaking after picking up an Award last year, Adventure Parc Snowdonia Commercial Director Justin Everley said:

“We were honoured to have been given The Founders’ Award, alongside recognition in the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category. We were so pleased that the founders of the RBAs saw something unique in Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Our innovative inland surf lagoon brings thousands of visitors each year to this beautiful part of Wales, and we are passionate about introducing people to the thrill of surfing, no matter their age or ability.

“We are proud of the work we have undertaken to make our rural part of Wales accessible for all, while also transforming a former industrial site with the greatest care for the environment.”

The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.

There are 11 categories businesses can enter, ranging from Best Rural Start-Up Business and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Rural Young Person of the Year.

Shortlisted businesses will compete first in the regional finals, which will take place in the North, East, Midlands, South East, South West and Wales and Northern Ireland throughout October and November 2019. The Grand Final takes place early next year, where winners from the regional heats will compete for the national titles.

“The Rural Business Awards shines a spotlight on the innovators, creators and entrepreneurs in rural communities across the UK,” said Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “The awards provide a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their excellent talents and I’d encourage all businesses in Wales to enter before 7th June.”

Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Anna Price, added:

“Growing the Rural Business Awards has been a privilege and it’s exciting to see first-hand the difference winning a RBA can make to a rural business. We would encourage every rural business across the country to submit an entry and take the opportunity to showcase their work on a national scale.”

For the first time since launching in 2014, the Rural Business Awards will be free to enter. Winners are decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

The Rural Business Awards Grand Final will take place on February 27th, 2020. Rural businesses can submit their award entries until 7th June 2019, for any of the 11 categories via: https://www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk/enter.