..following being announced as the winner of our category at the Rural Business Awards 2020/21 National Final, held online for the first time due to lockdown. Jules Hudson, the BBC Escape to the Country presenter, was host for the ceremony on Thursday 25^th February.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural economy; a sector which in England alone contributes £261bn to the nation’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – nearly a fifth of the country’s total economic activity.

“It’s an honour to support the Rural Business Awards’ efforts to showcase the incredible talent of British rural business,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “On behalf of Amazon, I would like to congratulate Romney Marsh Wools on this achievement, and I wish them further success in the future.”

Twelve category winners, including a new Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award category, and six additional “Triumph Over Adversity” winners, were announced, following a record number of entrants and a competitive shortlist process. Romney Marsh Wools was winner of the Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business, with the judges commenting "These guys are everything the RBA stand for. Traditional but always evolving, a fabulous diversification promoting rural crafts & the countryside."

Speaking after winning the Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business Award, Kristina from Romney Marsh Wools, said: “A huge thank you goes to Amazon and the Rural Business Awards for recognising Romney Marsh Wools as Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business. We are passionate about British wool and are so thankful for the opportunity to show off the beautiful natural resource that our business is built on. Romney Marsh Wools winning this award shows that you can do anything if you put your mind to it!”

Founded by rural-based business women, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and judged by an independent panel, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

Jemma Clifford, Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, said: “The last year has been tough for all rural businesses, but we remain amazed at the high calibre of entries to the RBAs and this has certainly continued in the 2020/21 year. The judges had a real challenge on their hands when picking the winners and every business shortlisted should be very proud of their achievement of reaching the National Final. Our winners have all shown great determination and have bright futures ahead - on behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards we congratulate them all.”

You can find out more about our story here and to learn about the Rural Business Awards visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk