Two Ulverston companies are in the running to be named the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional Rural Business Award.

The local companies that have been shortlisted at the 2021/2022 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon, are: Growthviser Ltd from Ulverston for Best Rural Professional Services Business and Shed 1 Distillery from Ulverston for Best Rural Food or Drink Business.

The companies will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises for a place at the national final. The regional final will be held virtually on Friday 1st October 2021.

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.

Darina Ward from Growthviser said: “We have always stayed true to our principal of working with rural businesses, who are greatly under-represented in HMRC R&D tax credit reclaims, because they are unaware of their eligibility or bamboozled by the process and require help.  

"Whilst most companies simply process forms, rather than translating ‘help’ into mentoring and strategic growth advice, we provide a holistic growth mentoring package."

“We are continually seeking to raise awareness of the extent to which we can help rural businesses, by again offering our very different approach of combining R&D tax credit claims with grant funding support. 

"This can reduce the total costs of a project by more than 50% and the overall capital sums, for investment in the business, typically rise by around 20%. 

"With the help of this Rural Business Awards Northern finalist success behind us, we hope to spread the word far and wide, assisting rural businesses across the UK, as well as those who are in associated fields, or putting produce on to plates.”

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