Awards scheme offers cash boost for craftspeople

Traditional craftspeople across the UK are being given the chance to compete for a cash boost to their business by entering Country Living Magazine’s The Balvenie© Artisan Awards 2009.

The scheme, created by hand-crafted single malt Scotch whisky, The Balvenie, aims to reward the individuals and businesses who are helping to keep traditional skills and crafts alive in the UK today. It offers a total of £9,000 in cash prizes plus bottles of The Balvenie and launches in the April issue of Country Living Magazine, on sale now.

The Awards feature four categories:

• Artisan Mentor of the Year;
• Best Start-up business based on a traditional craft or skill;
• Artisan Apprentice of the Year and Artisan of the Year.

Craftspeople can enter the Awards by downloading an application form and, for the first time, the general public is being invited to nominate craftspeople they know. Full details can be obtained by visiting www.thebalvenie.com or calling Artisan PR on 01578 722690.

Entry is free of charge. The closing date for entries is 30 May 2009 and the winners will appear in the November issue of Country Living Magazine.