On 16^th November, it was announced that the Cumbrian family concern,  Ginger Bakers had been shortlisted as finalists in the Best Rural Food Business Category in 2020/21 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

Ginger Bakers will now battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs, and enterprises from across the country for the chance to be named a national winner in the 6^th annual Rural Business Awards, in partnership with Amazon.

The team have now got to wait it out until Thursday 25th February 2021, when the online final is being held, to see who will win the plaudits as the UK’s Best Rural Food Business.

The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business, with winners in the 13 categories – ranging from Best Rural Start-up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Innovation – decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

The brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, The Awards celebrate the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. A business segment, which employs in excess of 3.4 million people, in over 750,000 businesses in England alone, contributes some £229 billion to England’s total economy, which equates to a fifth of England’s total economic activity.

Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “This year has been an unprecedented challenge for businesses across the country but we have still had a fantastic amount of entries from rural businesses, showing the true determination of people working in the rural economy. Here at the Rural Business Awards we remain committed to our vision of showcasing the fantastic work of rural businesses and believe that it has never been more important than now. On behalf of the RBA team, we want to say well done to Ginger Bakers, and all the shortlisted businesses, and wish them luck ahead of the national final.”

Lisa Smith, founder of Ginger Bakers, commented: “We have been shortlisted alongside some excellent companies including Lunde Farm Foods in Leicestershire, Mash Direct in County Down, St Ewe Free Range Eggs in Cornwall, Swshi in Ceredigion,  and The Blaenafon Cheddar Company in Torfaen. Being shortlisted in the national finals is great news, especially as we are really proud to represent the Lake District, Cumbria. Now all we have to do is wait to find out the judges’ decision in February 2021 – so wish us luck and nearer the time let’s get everything crossed to see if we can win more plaudits for Cumbria.’’