A Hurstbourne Tarrant business has been shortlisted as one of the best rural enterprises in the UK as it prepares to compete with others across the region.

The Rural Business Hub was shortlisted in the Best Small Business category at the Rural Business Awards. It joins fellow Test Valley business ChalkStream Foods in vying for an award in the regional and national finals.

Speaking after being shortlisted for an award, Caroline Reeves from The Rural Business Hub said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for a Rural Business Award. 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.”

The Rural Business Hub is an micro business owned by Caroline Reeves, providing a rural shared workspace in an office environment away from home for independent businesses and homeworkers.

It is based at the Old Post Office in Hurstbourne Tarrant, and opened its doors in 2017 to businesses from across the area. It was opened by Kit Malthouse MP, who praised the concept and its contribution to “business growth” in the area.

It is vying for the award, which were founded by businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of the UK.

There will be 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 Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project - decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

Jemma said: “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.”

The regional final will be held virtually on Friday October 29 2021, with the national final taking place early next year.