THREE Powys companies are in the running to be named the best rural businesses in the UK.

Welshpool’s Gifts of Wales, Crown and Canopy from Presteigne and Ty'r Gobaith's Pantry from Crickhowell have been shortlisted for a regional Rural Business Award.

They will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final. The regional final will be held virtually on Friday, October 15, with the national final taking place next February.

Crown and Canopy started its glamping business in 2010 and has gained a wealth of knowledge around UK retreats, from treehouses to cabins and bell tents. The company sources and mills its own timber and employs local businesses with green credentials to create unique spaces on glamping sites across the UK. They will be hoping for double success as they are up for two awards – the Best Rural Professional Services Business and the Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award.

Gifts of Wales is an online and high street shop sourcing gifts and homeware from Wales. The business focuses on stocking the wares of small businesses and artisans to support other growing businesses and give customers a unique collection of genuine Welsh products. They are up for the Best Rural Retail Business award.

Ty'r Gobaith's Pantry was established in 2017 by husband and wife team Gavin and Prue, based in Llangattock. The couple make and sell small batches of preserves created from homegrown vegetables, fruits and herbs and foraged fruits, with the aim of exceeding the standard of everyday supermarket products. They are up for the Best Rural Food or Drink Business.

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. The awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural companies and developing a strong network for owners.

Kathryn Greatorex, from Gifts from Wales, said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for a Rural Business Award.

“Knowing companies like Amazon support and recognise what we are doing gives us a great boost and we’re really looking forward to being part of the regional finals in October.”

“Amazon has proudly supported the Rural Business Awards since 2017 and, each year, the quality of the entries gets better and better,” said John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon. “I’d like to congratulate the businesses for their places on the shortlist and wish them and their regional peers the best of luck at the awards.”

Director and co-founder of the Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford added: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses.

“We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do. On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to all the shortlisted businesses and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”

The Rural Business Awards is the creation of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of the UK.

The awards celebrate winners in 13 categories – ranging from Best Rural Start-up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project. Winners are judged by an independent panel drawn from the rural business sector, public sector agencies and charitable organisations.

To find out more, visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk.