Carmarthenshire company wins UK rural business award

A company from Carmarthenshire has been named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after winning a national Rural Business Award

Welsh Otter from Llandeilo was named Best Rural Retail Business at the national final of the Amazon-backed Rural Business Awards, which took place virtually on Thursday 24 February.

Welsh Otter sells interior and homeware products created by traditional and innovative designers across Wales that use sustainable textiles. Each creative designer that the company highlights is rooted in Welsh heritage, but also uses eco-friendly materials such as wool, organic cotton and recycled yarns to create their products.

The company sells these products, as well as its own range of textiles and blankets, through an online shop and at their physical store in Tenby.

Speaking after winning Best Rural Retail Business, Kim Otterburn from Welsh Otter said: “As a small business, it is such a boost to our business to win a rural business award for Best Rural Retail Business. We put a great deal of care and passion into each product, and we are incredibly grateful to all our customers for their support. Winning this award shows what you can do with creativity and passion for something you believe in.” 

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, held in partnership with Amazon, will mark the Awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the competition has taken place virtually for the past two years. 

Jules Hudson, Countryfile and Escape to the Country presenter, hosted the ceremony which is now available on playback on the RBA Facebook page and the RBA YouTube Channel. 

“Rural businesses are a vital part of the UK economy, and the Rural Business Awards does an incredible job of shining a light on their importance and achievements,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “I’d like to congratulate Welsh Otteron their win and wish them every success for the future.” 

Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and assessed by an independent panel of judges, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

Rural Business Awards co-founder, Anna Price, added: “On behalf of the Rural Business Awards team, I would like to congratulate Welsh Otter for this well-earned win. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the businesses who made it to the final.” 

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. 

The companies had the chance to enter 13 different categories, ranging from Best Rural Start Up Business and Best Rural Innovation through to The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award. The winners were decided by an independent panel of judges selected from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies and rural charitable organisations.