AN AGRICULTURAL supply business near Whitchurch has been shortlisted for an award in the final of the Countryside Alliance Awards 2023.

It is the first time Sherratt Farm Supplies Ltd in Whixall has been nominated in the Rural Enterprise category and it will be heading to the final alongside five other north Shropshire businesses.

The farm supplier moved to its new location in August last year and director Chloe Jones is delighted and pleased with the recognition.

She said: "It is really nice to feel appreciated in the local community to be honest.

"It has come as a complete shock to us.

"This is the first time we have been nominated.

"With the year we have had it makes it all a bit more worthwhile."

Sherratt Farm Supplies had been trading on the Wem Industrial Estate in Soulton Road for the last 30 years before moving to its current location in Whixall and Chloe says people have been supportive.

She added: "We moved at the end of August and the local community have been really behind us since it.

"We have received lots of new customers through the door as well which is always good.

"Basically, we tried to move where our customers are and have a bigger premises and hopefully we can stock in a lot more different items.

"Hopefully we are a bit of a one stop shop for everybody."

Countryside Alliance awards director, Sarah Lee praised Sherratt Farm Supplies and other nominations for their role in the rural economy.

She added: "We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year.

"The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

"They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. "Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition."

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan added: "Local businesses are what keep our communities going and these are five examples of the many brilliant local firms that deserve our support in North Shropshire.

"The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and the fact that these shops, suppliers, farms and pubs have all reached the final shows the strength of North Shropshire’s local business community.

"Their success is proof of the hard work and service each of these businesses provides."