Michael Poultney, managing director of Portland limestone producers Albion Stone Quarries, has won the Crown Estate\'s Rural Entrepreneur Award for his move into mining in order to secure future supplies of the stone.

The Rural Entrepreneur Award was introduced in 2001 to recognise outstanding performance among the 600 Crown Estate rural business tenants. The Award is given to those with proven entrepreneurial skills who have enhanced their business through original and diverse schemes.

Michael was presented with his Award in December at the Crown Estate Rural Awards lunch at the Smithfield Show, Earl\'s Court, London.

Michael was keen to explore alternative ways of extracting the stone from the quarries he operates. He discussed with the Crown Estate the possibility of mining rather than quarrying the stone.

The environmental benefits of the move will be substantial and will result in reduced noise, dust and the elimination of ground and air vibration, which will improve the area for residents and wildlife.

The Crown Estate says maintenance of high environmental standards and the achievement of improved working practices complements its corporate responsibility objectives of commercialism, integrity and stewardship.

Ian Grant, chairman of the Crown Estate, said: "Michael Poultney has shown great creativity and innovation in diversifying and expanding his business to tackle the challenges facing rural communities in the 21st century.

And he is. Michael Poultney commented afterwards: "I\'m absolutely delighted, although it was a bit of a surprise." He praised the people who have been involved in the project to mine Portland with him and said: "It shouldn\'t be forgotten that this is a team effort."