The search is on for the Young Rural Entrepreneur of the Year 2007, a competition launched by the countryside insurance broker Lycetts.

A cash prize of £10,000 is up for grabs to anyone under the age of 35 who is helping to boost the UK’s economy amid an ever-changing rural landscape.

The award, in partnership with The Field magazine, will focus on businesses with a rural theme, and on the individuals behind them who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a clear commitment to sustaining the rural economy.

The resurgence in demand for locally produced food and drink means the outlook for rural business is altogether brighter at the moment, along with the successful diversification of farm activity across the UK.

Following on from the success of last year’s Young Champion of the Countryside award, the winning entrepreneur could be running any type of business from soup making to computer software design. The award is designed to be a reflection of how well the business interacts with and benefits rural economies and communities.

Angus Keate, chief executive of Lycetts, said: “This year’s award is much more commercially focused to reflect just how much the countryside has changed, and how so many farms and landowners have diversified into more commercially orientated activities.

The competition is open for three months, with entries welcomed before the closing date of August 12. Nominations can be submitted by or on behalf of an individual who meets the awards criteria. The winner will be announced at a reception in London on October 18. For further information please visit www.thefield.co.uk

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