Stuart Anderson MP is encouraging residents across South Shropshire to support three local businesses nominated for the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, also known as the Rural Oscars.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I am delighted that three fantastic businesses from South Shropshire have been nominated for this year's Countryside Alliance Awards, known as the Rural Oscars. The awards celebrate rural businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to local communities. I am thrilled that Vine & Co in Church Stretton has been nominated 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. These businesses are the backbone of our rural communities, providing essential services and contributing to the local economy. I urge everyone to vote in the Rural Oscars and show their appreciation for these outstanding enterprises. These businesses embody the spirit of rural South Shropshire. So, let's show them our support and vote for their hard work and dedication."
The nominated businesses are:
- Vine & Co in Church Stretton in the Village Shop/Post Office category.
- The Tally Ho Inn in Craven Arms, nominated in the pub category
- White Horse Inn in Clun, also nominated in the pub category
Stuart Anderson MP has urged residents across South Shropshire to support three local businesses that have been nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards, often known as the Rural Oscars. They celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile.
Nominated by the public, the awards recognise the very best businesses and individuals who keep the rural economy thriving. Three businesses from South Shropshire have been nominated for national recognition. 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 been nominated in the pub category. The businesses were put forward by loyal customers who highlighted their passion, commitment, and dedication to serving their local communities.
Voting officially opened on Monday 2nd March 2026. Votes will close at midnight on Monday 6th April 2026. During this time, residents are invited to cast their votes to decide who will be crowned this year’s regional champions.
The public vote, which opened on Monday 2nd March 2026, will run until midnight on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026. The winners will be announced in mid-April. They will then go on to be considered for the prestigious national championship. The winners in each category will be crowned and presented with a highly coveted Rural Oscar at a National Champions’ Reception taking place in the House of Lords in July.
Stuart is promoting the awards as part of his plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire. South Shropshire is proudly home to more than 5,800 businesses. Almost all of them are small or medium sized businesses. As part of this, Stuart 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. Stuart also continues to promote his Small Business Directory, which he launched in July 2025. Located on his website, it showcases the range of talent in the local business community.
