Breadcrumbs
Last chance to enter new award for businesses that think rural - 17 March 2003
Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, said: "I am pleased that Defra, the Countryside Agency and the Post Office are able to support this prestigious award, which recognises the positive impact that businesses can have on rural areas. By specifically recognising the needs of rural communities, businesses can not only help these communities thrive, but also to improve their business. This award will recognise those businesses which demonstrate genuine excellence and not just good practice. Now’s the time for businesses, wherever they are based and however big or small, to think about their eligibility for the award this year and in the future.”
“The Post Office is at the heart of the community and our network of branches provide a vital service in rural areas,” explained Sue Huggins, General Manager – Community Network, Post Office Ltd. “We are therefore delighted to sponsor this award to recognise other businesses who are making a real difference in rural communities.”
Sir Ewen Cameron, Countryside Agency chairman, said: "Businesses have for some time recognised the need to be involved in urban regeneration and it has an equally important role to play in the regeneration of villages, small market towns and the countryside, for example by sourcing the produce they buy and use locally. Businesses also need to understand the impact their decisions have on rural communities and to rural proof their activities. We hope that this award will inspire and encourage companies to think about how the way they work can benefit the countryside and its communities."
Companies interested in entering can find out more at: www.bitc.org.uk/awards. More than 300 people have attended a countrywide programme of workshops preparing companies for entering the awards. Entering the award provides a valuable management tool to businesses, as each entrant receives detailed feedback, helping them to refine and improve their community programmes. The awards will be announced in July 2003.
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Notes to editors:
· For further information about the Rural Action Award and the Awards for Excellence, contact: Gill Shaffer, BITC Press Office, tel: 07958 989124, or Peter Newman, BITC Awards Director, tel: 07768 065407
· The Post Office offers 170 products and services through its 17,500 branches nationwide. On average, nine out of ten people live within a mile of a Post Office branch and 28 million customers visit the Post Office each week.
· The Post Office and the Post Office symbol are registered trademarks of Post Office Ltd
· The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside, www.countryside.gov.uk .
· Defra was created in June 2001 as the government department responsible for environment, food and rural affairs. It has a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, whether in the UK or internationally. Its aim is to enhance the quality of life through promoting:
- A better environment
- Thriving rural economies and communities
- Diversity and abundance of wildlife resources
- A countryside for all to enjoy and
- Sustainable and diverse farming and food industries that work together to meet the needs of customers
