The Young Rural Entrepreneur Award 2008, sponsored by Lycetts and The Field, is now closed for entries. Details of the finalists will be announced on Tuesday 12th August 08.

A cash prize of £10,000 is on offer to the winner who can demonstrate the requisite entrepreneurial spirit by running a company that is either based in the countryside or is making a sustainable contribution to the rural economy.

The award aims to celebrate and support the entrepreneurial talent that exists in the countryside at a time of great change, when uncertain environmental and market conditions have forced farmers to change their farming habits or in some cases, get out of farming completely.

The five shortlisted candidates for the final will be asked to give presentations about their business on 9th September in London to a panel of judges which includes: Financial Times journalist and rural commentator, Heather McGregor; food entrepreneur, Charles Bigham; Jonathan Young, editor of The Field; Angus Keate, chief executive of Lycetts; and Charles Seymour, managing director of Lycetts Rural Division. The judges will choose the winner, to be announced at a reception in London on 16th October.

If at this stage you require any further information, please contact Charles Renwick at Lycetts' Newcastle office or via email on charles.renwick@lycetts.co.uk, alternatively you can enter at www.thefield.co.uk