Two Durham companies are in the running to be named among the best rural businesses in the UK.

Newlands Hall Farm Holidays from Bishop Auckland has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Diversification Project category, whilst Dalton Moor Farm from Seaham has been shortlisted in the Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award category at the 2021/2022 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

Newlands Hall Farm Holidays was launched in 2002 as Newlands Hall B&B for business and leisure travellers, situated in the Durham Dales. In 2020, the business diversified into glamping and embarked on its new venture, Newlands Hall Farm Holidays.

Dalton Moor Farm is a vegan fruit farm in East Durham, growing cultivated and wild fruits and vegetables. Produce is then made by hand into natural drinks and preserves which is sold from the farm. In 2020, owner Jenny Connor opened The School of Sustainable Living and Wellbeing to share her knowledge and skill in sustainability.

Carol Oulton from Newlands Hall Farm Holidays said:

“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted. Knowing companies like Amazon support and recognise what we are doing gives us a great boost and we’re really looking forward to being part of the regional finals.