The Countryside Alliance’s Best Rural Retailer competition is hotting up now that regional judging is underway. 200 short- listed local retailers are vying for a regional title and the chance of national glory. Check the 2006 short lists here

Over 2,000 nominations were received from across the UK (as well as some from New Zealand and New York) and have been whittled down to 200. By mid-December overall regional winners will be announced. The UK has been split into 13 regions along the lines of the Alliance’s structure, so there will be 13 overall regional winners, one for each of the following categories:

1.      Best Local Food Retailer
2.      Best Diversification
3.      Best Village Shop/ Post Office
4.      The Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business

The Countryside Alliance’s Jill Grieve, said: “We have received the highest possible calibre of nominations and regional judging panels are already finding judging all but impossible – from Sutherland to Cornwall and everywhere in between, rural retailers are ensuring that communities thrive.

“Our short-listed retailers all typify what this competition is about: they are passionate about their community and routinely go the extra mile for them. Across the four diverse categories we are highlighting the very best of rural enterprise and community spirit. I would like to thank everyone who nominated their retailer and helped bring this competition to life – there is already a huge feelgood factor amongst retailers which is very well deserved”.   

Ends…

· Regional winners will be announced in December. Four overall national winners will then be chosen by the national judging panel, which is chaired by Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart. These four will be announced at a House of Lords reception on 7th February 2007, to which all regional winners will be invited