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4 November 2026 · National Conference Centre · Free to enter

Championing the businesses that power rural Britain.

The UK's national celebration of rural enterprise — recognising the entrepreneurs, employers and innovators who keep the countryside economically and socially vibrant.

National Conference Centre · 4 November 2026

Why now

Rural business is not a niche.

It is 550,000+ businesses and ~£315bn of economic contribution in England alone — yet rural businesses are operating under unprecedented pressure.

The Rural Business Awards exist to put rural enterprise on the national stage — to recognise the resilience, innovation and leadership of the businesses quietly powering one of the most important parts of the UK economy.

Entries are open now and are free for every category. Enter now →

550,000+
rural businesses in England
~£315bn
of economic contribution
17
categories · free to enter
What makes the RBAs different

Built for rural enterprise — by people who take it seriously.

Backed by a national business voice.

Delivered with Business Matters — the UK's largest business magazine.

A night that reflects the calibre of the room.

The NCC on 4 November 2026. Built around founders, owners and senior leaders.

Founder-level recognition.

Judged independently by rural business owners and sector leaders.

Seventeen categories. One night that matters.

From Rural Business of the Year to the Rural Hero Award — every part of the rural economy.

Why enter

A credential that travels.

1

National recognition.

A platform built specifically for rural businesses, championed by the UK's largest business magazine.

2

Independent judging.

A panel of rural business owners and sector leaders — not industry insiders selling sponsorship.

3

Editorial reach.

Finalists and winners featured across Business Matters and the wider Capital Business Media network.

4

A room full of operators.

Senior-level networking on the night with the businesses, partners and policymakers shaping rural Britain.

Enter the Awards Why enter

Reach rural decision-makers at scale.

Headline, category and supporting partnerships available for the 2026 awards.

“At last, an awards platform that treats rural enterprise with the seriousness the City takes for granted.”
— Business Matters

Date

4 November 2026

Venue

National Conference Centre

Media Partner

Business Matters

Entries open

Open

Entry fee

Free to enter

Our 2026 sponsors & partners

The brands backing rural Britain.