The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is a winner of the Triumph over Adversity Award in the Rural Business Awards 2021. The World of James Herriot team is celebrating following the Rural Business Awards 2020/21 National Final, held online for the first time due to lockdown. Jules Hudson, the BBC Escape to the Country presenter, delighted the finalists as host for the ceremony on Thursday 25th February.
Speaking after winning The Triumph Over Adversity Award, Ian Ashton, managing director World of James Herriot, said:
“I am truly humbled to receive the Triumph Over Adversity Award alongside every other worthy winner in this category at the Rural Business Awards. The past year has been especially difficult for businesses, so to receive this award means the absolute world to me. I want the success of World of James Herriot to be a glimmer of hope for anyone who is currently struggling or has struggled in the past – better days are on the horizon. Thank you, Rural Business Awards and Amazon.”
The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural 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.
“It’s an honour to support the Rural Business Awards’ efforts to showcase the incredible talent of British rural business,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “On behalf of Amazon, I would like to congratulate the World of James Herriot on this achievement, and I wish them further success in the future.”
Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and judged by an independent panel, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.
Jemma Clifford, Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, said:
“The last year has been tough for all rural businesses, but we remain amazed at the high calibre of entries to the RBAs and this has certainly continued in the 2020/21 year. The judges had a real challenge on their hands when picking the winners and every business shortlisted should be very proud of their achievement of reaching the National Final. Our winners have all shown great determination and have bright futures ahead – on behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards we congratulate them all.”
