Date: 30 January 2012

The BALE (Best Alternative Land Enterprise) winners were announced today at a presentation luncheon at Trinity Park, Ipswich, attended by over 70 guests.

The Reid Rooms, at Marks Hall, in Great Dunmow has been transformed by farm owners Martin Ritchie and his late wife Jane, to create a stunning wedding venue from former horse stables. Also in receipt of an award was Suffolk’s Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure Centre, which has taken the accolade of Best Green Enterprise.

Run in partnership between Ashton KCJ and the Suffolk Agricultural Association, the BALE Award seeks to find the region’s best farming diversification business from across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. To mark the 20th Anniversary of the awards, this year was a 'Champion of Champions' competition, which was open to BALE Award winners from the past decade.

Jonathan Long, Partner and Head of Ashton KCJ's Agriculture and Estates Team commented: “Ashton KCJ is delighted to be partnering with the SAA on this very special occasion of the award’s 20th anniversary. What is special about these two very deserving winners is that through tough economic times, their businesses have gone from strength to strength and are continuing to expand. They have made a huge impact on their local communities, by employing local people and bringing in large visitor numbers to the area. On behalf of the whole firm, I would like to congratulate The Reid Rooms and Valley Farm”.

Read more about today's announcement here.