Every sector has its quiet heroes — the people who do the work, take the calls, show up at the meetings, write the responses, run the campaigns, mentor the new ones, and keep the whole thing pointed in the right direction.
The Rural Hero Award honours a standout champion of the rural sector. The winner doesn’t have to run the biggest business or hold the most senior title. They have to have made the rural sector better by being in it.
What judges are looking for
- Sustained personal contribution to the rural sector — months and years, not days.
- Advocacy and example — speaking up, turning up, helping others move forward.
- Reach of influence — peers, policy-makers, the next generation, the public.
- Personal cost — what they’ve taken on, given up or carried for the sector.
- Third-party support — letters, endorsements, examples from the people they’ve helped.
Who should enter
This category is primarily by nomination, although self-nominations are accepted. Anyone who works in, alongside or in service of UK rural business is eligible — operators, advocates, journalists, educators, public servants, charity leaders, community organisers.
Entry Tips
- Use specific figures — revenue, %, headcount, acreage, customers served.
- Back claims with evidence: coverage, quotes, accreditations, photos.
- Focus on the last 24 months of performance.
- Read the criteria carefully and answer them directly.
