GALE Triumphs at the 2025 Rural Community Business Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) has been awarded the prestigious Investing in Local People Award at the 2025 Rural Community Business Awards, sponsored by David Cadwallader & Co. The awards ceremony, hosted by Plunkett UK, took place on July 3rd at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.
GALE has earned this recognition for its unwavering commitment to investing in local people through the creation of meaningful employment, comprehensive training programmes, and valuable volunteering opportunities.
Janet Miles, Managing Director of GALE, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are truly honoured to receive the Investing in Local People Award. A heartfelt thank you to the organisers and sponsors for recognising the vital work we do. This achievement would not be possible without our dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, whose hard work and commitment contribute to our community and help us invest approximately £400,000 into the local economy each year. Together, we are making a meaningful impact!”
This year’s awards saw over 60 nominations from individuals and community businesses across the UK, showcasing the incredible efforts being made to uplift rural communities. Sarah Benn, Membership Manager at Plunkett UK, highlighted the importance of these awards: “It has been a great joy to recognise and celebrate all of the finalists at this Rural Community Business Awards. Each one is truly dedicated to making a difference in their community, and having a considerable impact on the lives of local people in a variety of different ways. Well done to all of this year’s winners – their award is very much deserved!”
Plunkett UK is a national charity that empowers rural communities to establish and operate various businesses in community ownership, aiming for resilient, thriving, and inclusive rural areas. With over 800 community-owned businesses in the UK, these enterprises span a range of sectors, from village shops and pubs to woodlands, fisheries, and farms, all democratically owned by local community members.