Best Rural Retailer competition to get Royal launch
The Countryside Alliance will launch its third annual Best Rural Retailer competition
at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire on 2nd July, emphasising the links
between rural communities and local food.
The Best Rural Retailer competition is a UK-wide Countryside Alliance initiative aimed at
celebrating rural communities through its retailers, food, traditions and skills. The
competition is nomination led and will open to nominations from 2nd July at
www.bestruralretailer.co.uk .
It will be possible to nominate online and on-stand at key shows over the summer, such
as the Game Fair, the Great Yorkshire, Scotland’s Countryside Festival and the Royal
Welsh. Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart, who leads the national judging
panel which also includes environmentalist Zac Goldsmith and Rural Tsar Stuart
Burgess, commented: “This competition has been a massive success for rural Britain as
it is the only competition in the UK that is celebrating people and communities as well as
produce and skills. Last year it reached over 18 million people through the media and we
received over 2,000 votes, which is a tribute to the passion and loyalty people feel
towards their retailers.
“If you care about your community and you know of a retailer who is an ambassador for
it, then it is vital that you nominate and help us to gain an accurate snapshot of rural life
in 2007. Last year’s winners have reported a wonderful feel-good factor within their
village, they have enjoyed the press attention and, perhaps most significantly, their
takings have increased. This competition is great for all of us, and it remains true that the
bigger the noise we can make about rural Britain, the better. Unity and determination are
key to our communities and this competition helps a positive rural story be heard.”
Notes for interested parties:
Nominations will be accepted from 2nd July – 6th October at www.bestruralretailer.co.uk and at
shows across the country.
Regional winners will be announced by Christmas, national winners will be announced at a
House of Lords reception in early 2008, which all regional winners will be invited to.
Previous winners are eligible to be nominated again.
Details of previous winners, the rules, the judges and the history of the competition can be
found at www.bestruralretailer.co.uk . Photos and logos are available
Categories are:
o Best Local Food Retailer
o Best Village Shop/ Post Office
o Best Diversification
o Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business