ORGANISERS of the Rural Business Awards, supported by Amazon, have announced a new format for this year and extended the deadline for businesses on the Isle of Wight.

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the awards will be entirely judged and run online, with businesses from the south east advancing to the regional finals.

Entries must be received before Friday, October 16, with the shortlist announced on Monday, November 16.

Winners will be disclosed at the national final awards ceremony on February 25, 2021.

Nettlecombe Farm from Whitwell triumphed in the Best Rural Tourism Business category at last year's event.

Organisers are now calling for other rural businesses on the Island to enter the sixth instalment of the awards.

There are 13 categories for businesses to enter, ranging from Best Rural Start-Up Business and Best Rural Diversification Project, through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and The Triumph Over Adversity award.

Winners are decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies and rural charitable organisations.

Dough Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “This year has been challenging for many rural businesses and it’s more important than ever to show our support for them.

“The Rural Business Awards are a great opportunity to highlight the outstanding contribution of businesses and hear their stories, from how they’ve supported their communities this year to their exciting plans for the future.”

To find out more or enter the awards visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk/enter-2020/