A local company is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for two North Ireland and Wales regional Rural Business Awards.

Felinhoneybees will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final. The regional final will be held virtually in October 2021, with the National Final taking place early next year.

Katie Hayward Founded Felinhoneybees in 2015 from her farm at Cemlyn near Cemaes Bay.

They not only produce award winning honey but they rescue bees from buildings and chimneys and roof spaces all over the UK.

They also run beekeeping courses for all ages and have a special bee therapy centre that help people through trauma such as domestic violence, PTSD and work closely with children that self harm.

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the Awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.

The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.

Speaking after being shortlisted for an award, Katie Hayward of Felinhoneybees, said: "I'm completely stunned to be nominated for these two amazing awards. Running a rural business especially in such times as we have faced is hard work and you have to not only be passionate about what you do but you have to be completely dedicated to making it work.

"I swapped a 9-5 job for a 5- 9 job but to turn my passion into a career has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Every day we change lives here at Felinhoneybees and this nomination means the world to us."

Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses. We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do. On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to Felinhoneybees and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”

The Rural Business Awards is the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain.

The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business, with winners in the 13 categories - ranging from Best Rural Start-up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Innovation - decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.

The Rural Business Awards is hosting a series of regional finals in the North, East, Midlands, South West, Wales and Northern Ireland, throughout October 2021, ahead of the National Final next February.

To find out more about Felinhoneybees, go to felinhoneybees.com or to learn about the Rural Business Awards visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk