Award success for People First Mobility at the National Finals of the Rural Business Awards
East Midlands-based retailer People First Mobility has been named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after winning a Rural Business Award.
Karen Sheppard, Director of People First Mobility, was named winner of the Triumph over Adversity Award at the National Finals of the Rural Business Awards, which took place on 24th February.
The retailer had previously been named winner of the Triumph over Adversity Award at the Midlands regional finals of the Rural Business Awards, which took place virtually in October 2021.
Hosted by Jules Hudson, the BBC’s Escape to the Country presenter, the Rural Business Awards 2021/22 celebrate the successes and vital contributions of rural businesses to the UK’s economy, a sector which contributes to nearly a fifth of England’s total economic activity.
There are 12 category winners as well as additional Triumph Over Adversity winners, which awards those who have overcome personal or professional challenges were announced, following a record number of entrants and a competitive shortlist process.
Speaking after winning the Triumph Over Adversity Award, Karen Sheppard from People First Mobility commented: “We would like to congratulate all of the businesses that entered the Rural Business Awards, and are so humbled to have won Triumph Over Adversity Award.
“Following a diagnosis of breast cancer, after an already tough time personally, times have been very challenging but I continued to run the business via FaceTime during my treatment and I would still go to the shop on the days I could, while doing everything from accounts to ordering stock in the background.
“Covid bought yet more challenges as many of our customers have had to shield so we have been delivering items to their door and calling and checking on our regulars to make sure they are ok.
“I really believe that going that extra mile and caring about our customers, treating them as family is so important. We are so pleased to have won, Thank you!”
Jemma Clifford, Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, added: “On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, I would like to congratulate those rural businesses who have worked tirelessly throughout another challenging year.
“Every year, I continue to be proud and remain in awe at the high calibre of entries to the Awards and each business who was shortlisted should be very proud of reaching the National Final.”
Founded by rural-based businesswomen, Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, the Rural Business Awards are backed by Amazon and judged by an independent panel of judges, drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.