The annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination and Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, is urging the local community to get nominating.
The Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities.They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can succeed.
Sir Julian commented: “These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hardworking local entrepreneurs who are helping rural Britain flourish.
“The quality of local produce in Skipton and Ripon is outstanding and there are many businesses and community champions deserving of national recognition. I encourage everyone to participate and submit a nomination. Let’s aim to bring a national title home and share the success of our area with the rest of the country.”
The Awards run across the following categories:
- Local Food Award
- Village shop/ Post Office Award
- Rural Enterprise Award
- Butcher Award
- Rural Pub Award
Nominations are open online at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/awards until 17 November. Judging will then take place and national winners will be announced at the House of Lords in spring 2025.
