I’ve just got back from the House of Lords where the four national winners in the Best Rural Retailer competition have been announced - here are details of these four inspirational businesses.
You can also check out the BRR site for details of all the regional winners and commended entries - and if you want to know five things I've learnt today during my trip to the smoke, see below.
* People who run rural retail businesses are an incredible devoted lot. I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by a big group of people who are so passionate about what they do.
* You can always tell when there a countryside-related function happening in Westminster. It’s like when Smithfield was on: you suddenly start seeing loads of wax jackets and green coats. And it’s nice to hear so many different regional accents.
* Getting into the House of Lords is like getting onto a plane these days. Security, understandably, is a top priority.
* The bar area of the Cholmondeley Room in the House of Lords is a great spot. If you’re ever invited to a function there, say Yes. Or, better still, say no - and give me the invite.
* You’re always struck, when you see it in person, quite what a spectacular building the Houses of Commons/Lords is. Its scale is truly epic.
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