A DEESIDE company is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional award.

Enbarr Foundation CIC, based in Queensferry, has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Diversification Project and Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project categories at the 2021/2022 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

It will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final. The regional final will be held virtually on October 21, 2021, with the National Final taking place early next year.

The Enbarr Foundation non-profit organisation has the vision to renovate the iconic John Summers Clock Tower and site in Deeside, which once stood as the largest employer in North Wales at just over 15,000 people, restoring it to its former glory and developing it into a community space for future generations to enjoy.

The organisation aims to help people discover their heritage and culture through the hub, and wants to encourage entrepreneurship and develop workplace skills in young people, whilst building support networks to tackle socio-deprivation concerns rising throughout rural areas, including safety, skills, loneliness, and poverty.

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022 will mark the awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.

The awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.

Victoria Roskams from Enbarr Foundation CIC, said: “On behalf of myself and the guardians we are thrilled to be shortlisted for a Rural Business Award and getting the recognition for all the hard work given by the community on this Iconic Rural Community Heritage project.

"Knowing companies like Amazon support and recognise what we are doing gives us a great boost and we’re really looking forward to being part of the Regional Finals of the Rural Business Awards in October.”

John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: "Amazon has proudly supported the Rural Business Awards since 2017 and each year, the quality of the entries gets better and better.

“I’d like to congratulate Enbarr Foundation CIC for their place on the shortlist and wish them and their regional peers the best of luck at the awards.”

Director and co-founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, added: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses.

"We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do. On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to all the shortlisted businesses and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”

To find out more about the awards, visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk