FOUR Cumbrian companies are in the running to be named the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted in the 2020/21 final of the Amazon-backed Rural Business Awards.

The companies are: Rinaldo’s Speciality Coffee and Tea Ltd from Kendal (Best Rural Drink Business category); Ginger Bakers from Kendal (Best Rural Food Business category); Shed 1 Distillery from Ulverston (Best Rural Drink Business category); Newlands Adventure Centre from Keswick (Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category).

The Rural Business Awards 2020/21 will mark the Awards’ sixth year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. The final takes place in February 2021. The awards are organised by rural businesses for rural businesses to celebrate their achievements and develop a strong network for rural business owners.

Rinaldo’s Speciality Coffee and Tea Ltd was founded in 2015 as an artisan coffee roastery. The business now has a coffee shop situated in the Lake District National Park that is open to the public and offers bespoke barista training.

Shed 1 Distillery is an award-winning distillery producing small batch, classically distilled craft gin. The distillery was founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett.

Ginger Bakers was established in 2006 when founder Lisa began baking cakes from her home kitchen and selling them at the local farmers markets. Ginger Bakers now stocks independent cafés, delis and shops in Cumbria and across the UK.

Newlands Adventure Centre and Keswick Climbing Wall is an adventure centre located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Rin Colombi from Rinaldo’s Speciality Coffee and Tea Ltd said: “The rural economy is an important sector for British business, and we’re pleased that it’s being recognised by Amazon and the Rural Business Awards. We’re especially pleased that our independent, artisan business is amongst those being acknowledged and we’re very excited for the finals next year.”

“This year has been challenging for many rural businesses and it’s more important than ever to show our support for them,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “The Rural Business Awards are a great opportunity to highlight the outstanding contribution of rural businesses to the UK’s economy. I would like to congratulate the Cumbria businesses and all the nominees on being shortlisted and wish them luck ahead of the national final. Thousands of small businesses from rural areas selling on Amazon now export to customers around the world, and to date small businesses on Amazon have created over 85,000 jobs.”

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