A changing countryside opens new doors for young rural entrepreneurs
After the success of last year's inaugural award, Lycetts, the UK's premier countryside insurance broker, today launched its search to find the 2008 Young Rural Entrepreneur of the Year.
Working in partnership with The Field magazine, a cash prize of £10,000 is on offer to the winner who can demonstrate the requisite entrepreneurial spirit by running a company that is either based in the countryside or is making a sustainable contribution to the rural economy.
The award celebrates and supports the entrepreneurial talent that exists in the countryside at a time of great change, when uncertain environmental and market conditions have forced farmers to change their farming habits or in some cases, get out of farming completely.
Angus Keate, chief executive of Lycetts, said, "For the UK's estimated 160,000 rural businesses, changes in farming can also act as a positive catalyst for an emerging wave of entrepreneurial talent in the countryside. The number and quality of the entries which were received for last year's award, was certainly a testament to this belief."
In 2007 brother and sister, Ben and Charlotte Hollins of Fordhall Community Land Initiative and Family Farm, proved themselves worthy winners of the award with a novel and enterprising approach to funding and managing the successful conversion of a struggling farm tenancy into a flourishing community owned business venture. Now, six months after taking the prize, their hard work has only just begun, but winning the award has certainly given them new ideas and opportunities.
Charlotte adds, "The cash boost did help with the refurbishment of the farm, but the award helped in so many other ways. We met a lot of people in the competition who have since been up to the farm, and we've created partnerships with some of them. One, the countryside dating service Muddy Matches is even arranging a volunteers 'dating' weekend on the farm later this summer!
"Winning the prize also created a huge amount of PR for us, in the local media, the national trade press and various magazines. As a result we have been able to attract more supporters for the miscellaneous events that we organise on the farm, more potential shareholders and greater involvement with local schools."
A panel of judges which includes: Financial Times journalist and rural commentator, Heather McGregor; food entrepreneur, Charles Bigham; Jonathan Young, editor of The Field; Angus Keate, chief executive of Lycetts; and Charles Seymour, managing director of Lycetts Rural Division, will choose the winner, to be announced at a reception in London on 16th October.
Jonathan Young, editor of The Field, adds, "If the countryside is to thrive it can't just be a dormitory for urban workers. Rural areas need real jobs and those are created by brave individuals who have the guts, flair and acumen to be entrepreneurs."
The competition is open for three months with entries welcomed before the closing date of 4th August. Nominations can be submitted by or on behalf of an individual who meets the awards criteria. For further information, please visit www.thefield.co.uk.
