Expert judges announce finalists for Cumbria Family Business Awards

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Expert judges announce finalists for Cumbria Family Business Awards

The expert judging panel appointed for the Cumbria Family Business Awards have announced their category finalists after a tense judging session held at Enterprise Answers Penrith headquarters on January 24th.

The judging panel, which consisted of Head Judge Graham Lamont of Lamont Pridmore, Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers, Anthony Smith of Progression Solicitors, Jacqui Jackson of Thomas Jardine & Co, Ben Berry of English Lakes Hotels, Rachel Halliday of Stephenson Halliday and Zoe Dawes The Quirky Traveller debated over six hours before selecting the finalists who will all attend the sparkling ceremony in March this year.

Head Judge Graham Lamont said: “I would like to personally thank all the family businesses who entered, as a family business owner myself, I appreciate the challenges and rewards that come from working with family and understand how much time and effort goes into application processes such as these. Following a record number of applications, there were some extremely difficult decisions to make and the quality of Cumbrian family businesses really shone through. We feel our selection represents the diversity and accomplishments of family businesses in the region. All of the finalists should feel extremely proud as they have beaten off some stiff competition to win their place. I look forward to meeting them at the upcoming Meet The Judges days next month.”

The finalists are as follows:

Food and Drink Establishments – sponsored by Progression Solicitors

  • The Shabby Scholar
  • Lamplighter Dining Rooms
  • The Crafty Baa

Agriculture, Forestry and Farming

  • Cosy Logs
  • Eva’s Organics
  • Robustrack
  • Nibthwaite Grange Farm

Creative Business – sponsored by Net*

  • Lakeland Gardens
  • Sweet Hearts Cumbria
  • Cable & Blake

Food and Drink Producers – sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management

  • Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
  • The Apple Pie
  • Lovingly Artisan

Retailers and Wholesalers

  • Peter Tyson
  • Thomas Graham & Sons
  • K & S McKenzie

Manufacturing and Construction – sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

  • Decking Designs
  • Duckett Building Services
  • West Coast Composting

Transport, Haulage and Logistics

  • Blackwood Service Station
  • Reays
  • Brampton Skip Hire
  • Spencer Graham Coaches

Small Hotels, Leisure and Tourism – sponsored by The Cumberland

  • Rusland Pool
  • The Sally
  • Yew Tree Barn

Large Hotels, Leisure and Tourism – sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd

  • The Ryecorn
  • Eden Golf Course & The Garden at Eden
  • Plato’s

People and Community Services

  • Amy’s Care
  • P&C Residential
  • Hardy’s Soft Play
  • St Bee’s Little Learners

Professional and Business Services

  • Simpson & Parsons
  • West Lakes Recruitment
  • Ashdown Jones
  • CBA Events

The Judges also chose three businesses who they felt were ones to watch in the future and awarded them special ‘Going Places’ awards.

Going Places

  • Cut The Wrap
  • Scalesceugh Hall
  • Shed 1 Distillery

The category finalists will now attend a Meet the Judges interview before the judges make their final decisions. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa on Friday 8th March. Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers will present the Outstanding Cumbria Family Business of the Year Award which will be announced after all the category winners. The glittering black tie evening will be hosted by The Hairy Bikers. For more information about the Cumbria Family Business Awards please visit www.cumbriafamilybusinessawards.uk