The Rural Business Awards are the UK's national rural business awards: the only national programme dedicated entirely to rural enterprise.
We exist to recognise, publicly and credibly, the entrepreneurs, employers and innovators who keep the British countryside economically and socially alive.
A national platform for rural enterprise
Rural Britain is not a backdrop. It is over half a million businesses and, according to the UK Parliament's House of Lords Library, around £315bn of gross value added to England's economy, roughly a sixth of the national total. Rural enterprise also accounts for about a fifth of all registered businesses in England, as set out in Defra's Statistical Digest of Rural England. Yet rural business is under-served by mainstream B2B media, under-represented in national awards, and operating against headwinds, connectivity, transport, planning, costs and labour, that the rest of the economy rarely confronts at the same intensity. The Rural Business Awards put that work on the national stage.
What we recognise
Resilience. The businesses that keep going, keep employing and keep investing through droughts, downturns and policy change.
Innovation. The ideas, technologies and new approaches transforming rural industries, and the people brave enough to try them.
Leadership. The founders, family heads and rising stars whose vision and risk-taking are shaping what rural Britain becomes next.
Stewardship. The long-term care of Britain's land, balancing food production, environmental responsibility and the next generation.
How the awards work
Entries are open and businesses self-nominate, free of charge, for up to three categories. A 1,000-word entry and supporting evidence are submitted online. See how to enter for the full process. Entries for 2026 close on 1 September.
An independent panel of judges, made up of rural business owners, sector leaders and senior editors, produces a shortlist, which is announced after entries close. Finalists are invited to the awards night on 4 November 2026 at the National Conference Centre in Solihull, where the winners are revealed live. Coverage of the shortlist, the night and the winners runs across Business Matters and the wider Capital Business Media network, reaching one of the largest business audiences in the UK.
Explore the awards
There are 17 categories in total, from the headline Rural Business of the Year to the Rural Hero Award. Browse the full list of award categories to find the right fit, or read why entering is worth your time.
Who we are
The Rural Business Awards are produced by Capital Business Media (CBM), the group behind Business Matters, the Business Champion Awards and a portfolio of UK business titles and events. The RBAs sit alongside our existing awards as the dedicated platform for rural enterprise.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rural Business Awards?
The UK's national awards programme dedicated entirely to rural business, recognising rural enterprise across Britain. They are free to enter and run 17 categories.
Who runs the Rural Business Awards?
They are produced by Capital Business Media, the group behind Business Matters, with Business Matters as launch media partner.
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing. Every category is free to enter, and entrants can enter up to three categories.
