FIVE Somerset businesses are in the running to be named the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional rural business award.

Clayhill Arts in Bridgwater, Gear Change Limited in East Brent, Katrin Snell Wildlife and Pet Portrait Artist from Williton, #GoRacingGreen from Highbridge and ROAM from Ilminster have been shortlisted at the 2019/2020 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

The five businesses will battle it out against rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the South West for a place at the national final.

Clayhill Arts has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Start Up Business category and the Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business category and Gear Change Limited, which employs seven people, has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Start Up Business category.

Katrin Snell Wildlife and Pet Portrait Artist from Williton has been shortlisted in two categories - The Best Rural Start Up Business and the Best Rural Creative, Artisan or Crafts Business.

While #GoRacingGreen has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project category and ROAM has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category.

Speaking after being shortlisted for an award, Katrin Snell from Katrin Snell Wildlife and Pet Portrait Artist said:

“I’m thrilled to be shortlisted for a Rural Business Award. Knowing companies like Amazon support and recognise what I’m doing gives me a great boost and I’m really looking forward to attending the Regional Finals of the Rural Business Awards later in the year.”

The Rural Business Awards 2019/2020, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ fifth 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 businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.

Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager for Amazon, said: “Amazon has proudly supported the Rural Business Awards since 2016 and each year, the quality of the entries gets better and better,” said “I’d like to congratulate all the businesses from Somerset and wish them and their regional peers the best of luck on the Awards night.”

The regional final of The Rural Business Awards will be held at Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester on October 25 with the national final taking place early next year.

Director and co-founder of The Rural Business Awards, Anna Price, said: “The 2019/2020 Awards have seen record numbers of entries and it’s encouraging to see so many rural businesses express a desire to celebrate their successes on a regional and national scale.

"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."