TAP, the owners of Service Dealer and TurfPro, triumphed at the national Rural Business Awards, which were held last night at the stunning Monastery in Manchester.

TAP owners Duncan Murray-Clarke and Emma Craigie with the award for Best Rural Digital, Communications or Media Business

Representing the South-East, the company scooped the title of Best Rural Digital, Communications or Media Business, ahead of companies representing the Midlands, North, Wales & NI, South West and East.

Owner of TAP, Duncan Murray Clarke said, "We are absolutely delighted to win this top award in a competitive category and at an event that fits right in with our ethos as a team and as an agency. Thanks to the judges for choosing us, the event organisers, the category sponsor O2, but mainly to our great team at TAP.

"In our industry clients are starting to look for more value and point of difference. That is why we believe businesses are seeking out small agencies that offer real value and comprehensive market knowledge.

"TAP is a global business, but with genuine rural roots. We work closely with innovative rural businesses and rural initiatives - with the independent dealer trade being the epitome of that."

A spokesperson for the Rural Business Awards said, "The competition was close, but, through our lengthy judging process, a panel of around 25 judges selected the very cream of the crop to take home our national awards."

The organisers say the aim of the awards has not changed since they were first presented in 2015. They aim to give recognition to businesses operating right across the rural sector, to acknowledge the breadth and depth of opportunity presented by the Great British countryside, as well as to celebrate the achievements of rural businesses, from engineering through to artisan food producers and professional services organisations.

The eleven awards are decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, official agencies and rural charitable organisations.