Stuart Anderson MP is delighted that three South Shropshire businesses have become regional finalists in the highly coveted Countryside Alliance Awards, known as the 'Rural Oscars.'
- Three South Shropshire businesses have been nominated for national recognition.
- Vine & Co in Church Stretton has again been shortlisted in the Village Shop/Post Office category.
- The Tally Ho Inn in Craven Arms and White Horse Inn in Clun have been nominated in the pub category.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Nominated by the public, the Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate the very best individuals, businesses, and organisations that support our rural economy. I am exceedingly proud that South Shropshire businesses have become regional finalists in these highly coveted awards known as the Rural Oscars. Vine & Co. family-owned general store in Church Stretton has again been shortlisted in the Village Shop/Post Office category, while The Tally Ho Inn in Craven Arms and White Horse Inn in Clun have both been nominated in the pub category. These businesses go above and beyond in service of our local communities. I am delighted that their hard work and dedicated efforts have been recognised. I hope everyone will support them when votes open on 2nd March 2026.”
The Countryside Alliance Awards, also known as the 'Rural Oscars', celebrate the best of rural life. Nominated by the public, they recognise the best businesses and individuals who keep the countryside thriving. Stuart urged residents to nominate local businesses, organisations and individual champions when the awards opened for nominations in November. The Awards were devised almost twenty years ago as a way of celebration of rural communities, skills, and produce.
Over the years, thousands of businesses have been honoured for their contribution to the rural economy. Stuart is delighted that Vine & Co. family-owned general store in Church Stretton has again been shortlisted in the Village Shop/Post Office category. Meanwhile The Tally Ho Inn in Craven Arms and White Horse Inn in Clun have both been nominated in the pub category. The three businesses have been shortlisted from thousands of nominations received from across the country.
A public vote will open on Monday, 2nd March 2026. It will run until Easter Monday, which this year falls on Monday 6th April 2026. The winners will be announced in the Spring. They will then go on to be considered for the prestigious national championship. The UK winners in each category will be crowned and presented with the coveted 'Rural Oscars' at a grand final in the House of Lords in July.
Since his election, Stuart has each year promoted the awards as part of his plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire. As part of this, he has been engaging with and raising the profile of South Shropshire's five thousand small businesses. To support the local business community, Stuart also maintains a Business Support Finder. This signposts businesses to a range of grants, tax reliefs, and competitions that they may be eligible to apply for.
