Bid to identify and reward businesses making a positive difference to rural areas

Posted 18 March 2019

Harper Adams University is backing a bid to identify and reward businesses making a positive difference to rural areas by doing something innovative.

Quilter Cheviot Investment Management has launched its Rural Innovation Programme, which will award £30,000 to a business or entrepreneur that is utilising innovation to ensure rural communities continue to prosper for generations to come.

Businesses in the UK and Ireland that can demonstrate they are using innovative techniques to help sustain rural communities can apply from today until 14 June here.

One of the judges for the award scheme is Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, who will sit on the panel alongside BBC Countryfile Live and One Show presenter, Joe Crowley, and CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, Gary Verity

Quilter Cheviot is passionate about Great Britain and Ireland’s countryside and the aim is for the funding to have a long-term positive impact. Successful applicants will be able to show how they can use the funding to help make a significant contribution, helping those that live and work in rural communities.

Andy McGlone, CEO of Quilter Cheviot, will also sit on the panel. He said: “As investment managers we are extremely passionate about celebrating the countryside and rural communities, whilst sharing an appreciation for the local businesses that contribute to Britain and Ireland’s rural economy. Innovation is also at the heart of what we do so we feel this is a great opportunity to help further connect and foster a partnership between us and these communities.”

Quilter Cheviot supports a number of country shows including BBC Countyfile Live, the Suffolk Show, the Royal Bath & West Show and the New Forest & Hampshire Show.

For 2019, Quilter plc, Quilter Cheviot’s parent company, has been named as the title sponsor of both BBC Countryfile Live events at Blenheim Palace (1-4 August) and Castle Howard (15-18 August).

Harper Adams University will be exhibiting at the Blenheim Palace event.