MUSGROVE Willows from Westonzoyland has been named as one of the best rural businesses in the UK after winning a national Rural Business Award.
Musgrove Willows was named Best Rural Diversification Project at the national final of the Amazon-backed Rural Business Awards, which took place virtually last month.
Musgrove Willows is a family-run business, founded in 1928.
The company makes 60 different sustainable and environmentally friendly products such as lanterns, wicker baskets and artist’s charcoal from their family farm on the Somerset Levels.
The business won a national award
Speaking after winning the Best Rural Diversification Project award, Ellen Musgrove from Musgrove Willows said: “We are over the moon to have won a national Rural Business Award for Best Rural Diversification Project.
“As a family run company, it is a great boost for us to receive the support of prestigious organisations like the Rural Business Awards and Amazon.
“Musgrove Willows winning this award proves what you can achieve if you’re passionate about an idea and willing to go that extra mile for your business.”
The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, held in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the competition has taken place virtually for the past two years.
Jules Hudson, Countryfile and Escape to the Country presenter, hosted the ceremony which is now available on playback on the RBA Facebook page and the RBA YouTube Channel.
John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon, said: “Rural businesses are a vital part of the UK economy, and the Rural Business Awards does an incredible job of shining a light on their importance and achievements.
“I’d like to congratulate Musgrove Willows on their win and wish them every success for the future.”
The Rural Business Awards recognise and celebrate the successes and vital contributions of rural businesses to the UK’s 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.
Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and assessed by an independent panel of judges, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.
Rural Business Awards co-founder, Anna Price, added: “On behalf of the Rural Business Awards team, I would like to congratulate Musgrove Willows for this well-earned win. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the businesses who made it to the final.”
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.
The companies had the chance to enter 13 different categories, ranging from Best Rural Start-Up Business and Best Rural Innovation through to The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award.
The winners were decided by an independent panel of judges selected from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies and rural charitable organisations.
To find out more visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here