Country businesses competition

- Published: 14 July, 2009

Butchers and farm shops in rural areas are being encouraged to enter a competition launched by Country Life magazine in association with Waitrose.

The Country Life Awards celebrate the role of enterprising individuals and businesses in the countryside, recognising the vital contribution made to local communities.

Categories include: the Rural Enterprise of the Year award, open to entrepreneurs, local businesses, farms and retailers who provide specialist services; the Country Person of the Year, Country Event of the Year and Country Campaigner of the Year.

Mark Price, Waitrose managing director, said: "By recognising the great and good of the British countryside, these Awards honour the people and places that ensure our rural heritage remains vibrant. We look forward to seeking out the unsung heroes of Britain's villages, farms and rural businesses through our partnership with Country Life."

The deadline for entries is 30 July 2009 and the judging takes place in October 2009.