Whitchurch’s Stallion AI is celebrating after winning a Shropshire business award and being nominated for a regional heat in a national rural awards.

The business, which is based near Brown Moss Reserve, won the Technology, Enterprise and Innovation award from the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce for the second year running.

Hannah Jones, marketing and PR exectuive at Stallion AI saysd the company was delighted.

She said: “This was an even bigger achievement for us this year as we have continued to progress in our field, also having very tough competition.”

The business, run by Tullis Matson, recently had new facilities opened by Princess Anne and it has been nominated in the regional category of Outstanding Rural Diversification Project at the Rural Business Awards, the only UK-wide business awards specifically for the rural sector.

Stallion AI, who offer equine semen storage, are just one of 11 shortlisted businesses in Shropshire and they will find out if they have won a top slot at a glittering ceremony on October 11 in Nottingham before the national finals in February 2019, sponsored by Amazon.

The company is joined by Cheshire’s Combermere Abbey, owned and operated by Sarah Callander Beckett, which has been nominated for Best Rural Tourism Business.

The Abbey plays host to a number of open days and exclusive weddings.

In the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category, Shropshire Falconry, from Wem, have been given the nomination, making it three businesses in the area to be nominated.

The company describes itself as giving a Falconry Experience and Display company, offering a range of experiences and training for people with an interest or passion for all Birds of Prey with more than 30 years experience.

They can be found at www.shropshirefalconry.co.uk

“Congratulations to all the shortlisted companies in Shropshire ahead of the regional finals of the 2018 Rural Business Awards,” said Doug Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon. “These local businesses have a real positive impact on the local and national economy, and are a true inspiration to others.

“We wish all the nominees the best of luck ahead of the regional finals on October 11.”

Awards co-founder Anna Price, added: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted business from Shropshire which have it made this far in our awards.

“We are so proud to be holding the RBAs for the fourth year as they continue to go from strength to strength.”

The awards’ associate partners include the Institute for Family Business; Farm Business Innovation; Harper Adams; the CLA; WiRE and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Regional finals are being held in the autumn of 2018, with the winners going on to a grand final on February 28, 2019.