A BRIDPORT butchers has been shortlisted for a prize at a national small business awards.

R.J. Balson & Son in West Allington, has been named as a finalist in the legacy category in the inaugural Small Awards. The company is celebrating 502 years in business this year, making it England's oldest family business.

The award recognises the distinctive characteristics, challenges and strengths of family run small businesses, especially those that demonstrate involvement and contribution from family members as well as business success. R.J Balson & Son will find out if it has won the award at a ceremony in London on Thursday, May 25 hosted by comedian and television presenter, Sue Perkins.

Richard Balson said: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Small Awards.

"Our family works as a team striving for continued success. Although we are the oldest, we may not be the largest, it is more important to be one of the best. This is a great honour in our 501st year of business.

“Giving customers a personal service and supplying local free-range meats fully traceable from the farm to the fork are as important as having survived wars, fires, floods, recessions and numerous health scares.”

He added: “We have stood the testament of time, so we must be doing something right.

“In this and every business, you have to be able to adapt and change with the times to keep you ahead of the game. We have a long history, but every future generation needs to build on what’s been handed down to them, and more importantly be prepared for long hours and plenty of hard work.”

The Small Awards, in association with Facebook, will recognise the achievements of small businesses in 10 categories, including high street businesses, family businesses, start-ups and business-to-business companies, as well as those that export and companies that contribute most to their community. One of the individual category winners will also be named overall Small Business of the Year. Facebook will give that business £1,000 worth of free advertising credit.

The judges for this year’s awards include the former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable, 2014 Apprentice winner Mark Wright, who now runs SEO and PPC agency Climb Online, and former digital and culture Minister Ed Vaizey.

Small Awards director, Michelle Ovens said: "There is so much vibrancy in the UK’s small business sector, so many great stories and examples of innovation, achievement, community spirit and social responsibility.

"We are thrilled to be able to shine a light on some of the best, like R.J Balson & Son.”