Meet the Judges for the Rural Community Business Awards 2025

As we gear up to announcing our 2025 Rural Community Business Awards finalists, meet our panel of judges who carefully considered this year’s nominations.

On 15 May, the judges met to review the shortlisted nominations and selected the finalists, who will be officially announced on Tuesday 3 June.

We wanted to express our gratitude to all the nominees who put forward their community businesses and champions. It was truly inspiring to read the stories shared by our community business members, highlighting the vital role these organisations play in their local areas.

Below, we’re pleased to introduce this year’s panel of judges, who faced the challenging task of selecting the finalists for the Rural Community Business Awards.

Kathryn Turner
Planning Director, Lands Improvement

Anthony Collins Solicitors

Kathryn joined LIH in 2009 and has held several roles during her time in the organisation, prior to shifting her primary focus to the Planning side of business.
Kathryn has a diverse background, covering Masterplanning, Regeneration, Environmental Management, Planning and Surveying. Kathryn gained her Town Planning Qualification in New Zealand and has subsequently become a Chartered Surveyor.

Kathryn leads the Planning Team; taking a strategic and holistic view across the planning and promotional portfolio to support the strategic growth of the business as well has having day to day oversight of the planning portfolio.

Kathryn has a passion for delivering well thought out, deliverable new places, facilitated through strong promotional activities and well considered planning consents.
Kathryn is currently leading on our land interests at Cambridge South, a large scale Masterdeveloper opportunity in Cambridge. In support of this Kathryn is a Member of the Cambridge Ahead Economic and Housing Group.

Kathryn is also a Board Member of the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF); a Member of their Technical and Planning Committee; and was an Advisory Board Member of Public Practice between 2023 and 2025.

Kathryn has a particular interest in Diversity and Inclusivity (D&I) within the Development Sector and to this end devised and set up the D&I policies for the LPDF as well as setting up a Mentoring Scheme across the TT Group to support and foster internal talent across the Group.

Lands Improvement are the headline sponsors of the Rural Community Business Awards 2025.

David Knight

Stephanie Steele

Partnerships Coordinator at Utility Aid

Co-op

Before Utility Aid, I worked for several charities, varying from advocacy to supporting children with health challenges. My roles varied but always involved partnerships. I have always been passionate about supporting the voluntary sector and working in collaboration with like-minded organisations. I really enjoy building relationships, going out and meeting people at events, and working on strategic projects to benefit the sector!

Utility Aid are the kind sponsors of the Connecting the Community Award.

Mimi Lung

Member Activator at Co-op

Bestway Wholesale

As a Member Activator for Co-Op, I am deeply invested in the success of rural enterprises, a commitment that resonates strongly with the spirit of the Plunkett’s Rural Community Business Awards. My background in community eco-projects, including vital work protecting pygmy cormorant nesting areas, underscores my dedication to local sustainability and collaborative action. I am eager to contribute to the recognition of impactful businesses through these prestigious awards and believe in their power to inspire further community-led success across our rural landscape.

Co-op are kind sponsors of the Keeping it Local Award.

Nicola Cadwallader

Voneus Broadband

With over 30 years’ experience in accounting including 20 years as a Partner/Director, Nicola has developed a specialism in the charity and not-for-profit sector. Her practice based in Oxfordshire provides all aspects of accounting and taxation services to a variety of clients and currently assists approximately 150 Community Businesses throughout the UK with their accounts, VAT, tax and software requirements.

Cadwallader are the kind sponsors of the Investing in Local People Award.

Nigel Kaye

Suma Wholefoods

I have been working at Suma Wholefood for 13 years, A worker owned co-operative sourcing the most delicious and sustainable products, inspiring change for good. As with the Suma way I have worked across many different areas in the warehouse and office roles, including Sponsorship and Donations where I have been involved with Plunkett and the awards for over 7 years. Prior to Suma Wholefoods I worked in Marketing and Advertising for number of different companies and clients in the technical sectors such as Vodafone and Virgin Media.

Suma Wholefoods are the kind sponsors of the Going Green Award.

Sarah Crush
Social Value Manager at Thakeham

Thakeham

Sarah has worked with Thakeham for six years and leads on their social value strategy, measurement and delivery. This includes community engagement and grass roots organisation support, managing Thakeham’s charitable giving and volunteering programmes, promoting positive economic social impact via jobs, training and skills support, as well as schools outreach for careers education. Sarah worked closely with the Plunkett UK team to launch The Woodgate Shop, a community business at the heart of Thakeham’s Woodgate project and a UK first for new development.

Alexandra Rae
Chief Executive, Wise Investment

Anthony Collins Solicitors

As Chief Executive of Wise Investment, Alexandra Rae is a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for her community. Approaching 25 years with the firm, she has been instrumental in transforming Wise Investment into the thriving, employee-owned business it is today.

Beyond her role as CEO, Alex is a driving force in the Chipping Norton business community, dedicating her time, energy, and resources to initiatives that make a lasting impact. She spearheads Wise Investment’s charitable efforts, leading partnerships with Plunkett UK, B4’s Raise 24, and other local initiatives, ensuring the company plays an active role in supporting local causes.

Wise Investment are the kind sponsors of the One to Watch Award.

Thank you to our sponsors of this year’s Rural Community Business Awards

The Rural Community Business Awards wouldn’t be able to take place without the kind support of our sponsors. Thanks to their generosity, Plunkett’s annual awards campaign is able to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our community business members and the dedicated individuals involved with them.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!