A LAW practice from Kendal has been named as one of the best rural businesses in the UK after winning a national Rural Business Award.

Thomson Hayton Winkley and The Rural Law Practice was named Best Rural Professional Services Business at the national final of the Amazon-backed Rural Business Awards, which took place virtually on Thursday, February 24.

Thomson Hayton Winkley & The Rural Law Practice is a specialist law practice that has been in operation for more than 160 years, helping with the legal needs of farming and rural businesses across Cumbria, North Yorkshire and North Lancashire.

John Cooke from Thomson Hayton Winkley & The Rural Law Practice said: “The competition for Best Rural Professional Services Business this year was exceptional, and we are so pleased we have won a National Rural Business Award.

“We really are part of the fabric of our local rural community and put a lot of effort into client satisfaction and community engagement. We are thrilled that this has been recognised with such a prestigious award.”

Jules Hudson, Countryfile and Escape to the Country presenter, hosted the ceremony.

“Rural businesses are a vital part of the UK economy, and the Rural Business Awards does an incredible job of shining a light on their importance and achievements,” said John Boumphrey, UK country manager, Amazon.

“I’d like to congratulate Thomson Hayton Winkley & The Rural Law Practice on their win and wish them every success for the future.”

The Rural Business Awards recognise and celebrate the successes and vital contributions of rural businesses to the UK’s economy, a sector which in England alone contributes £261bn to the nation’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – nearly a fifth of the country’s total economic activity.

Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and assessed by an independent panel of judges, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

Ms Price added: “On behalf of the Rural Business Awards team, I would like to congratulate Thomson Hayton Winkley & The Rural Law Practice for this well-earned win. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the businesses who made it to the final.”