CLA-backed Isle of Wight awards: Nominate now
Applications window opens to celebrate island's dynamic rural economy
The CLA-backed Isle of Wight rural awards are back for 2025 - and we are now inviting applications.
In their seventh year, the RIWAS awards, sponsored by the CLA, will celebrate the very best of rural life on the Isle of Wight.
Nominations must be made before 31 May, under the following categories:
• Rural Business of the Year – awarded to the rural business, from any sector or size, who exemplifies the Island’s rural sector and has made a significant contribution to the Isle of Wight. Selected from the winners in each of the four business categories:
o Wight Marque Food Business – awarded to the Wight Marque business which has contributed the most to profile and promote the Isle of Wight as a quality food destination
o Rural Tourism Business – awarded to the tourism business which has contributed the most to the island’s rural tourism sector
o Countryside Small Business – awarded to any type of business employing 5 or fewer people.
o Countryside Business - awarded to any type of business employing 6 or more people..
o Rural Art and Craft Business of the Year – awarded to a creative and artistic island company.
• Rural Young Person of the Year – awarded to the young person aged 26 or under who lives, works or has a connection to the Isle of Wight countryside and has made a valued contribution to the rural sector.
• Primary School Participation Awards – awarded to the school(s) achieving the ‘Gold’ rural participation standard.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – awarded to the person who it is considered has contributed greatly to the rural sector over a sustained period of time. This category is not open to nominations, with the nominees and winner chosen by the judging panel. This may not be awarded each year.
Celebration
Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the island, said: “We are thrilled that these awards are returning for the seventh year as they champion the Isle of Wight’s dynamic rural economy, which the CLA is proud to support.
“We’d encourage individuals and businesses to get involved and nominate, and we hope to see you at the show presentation in July. It’s always a really positive celebration and fantastic event in the island’s calendar.”