Cumbrian based solicitors Cartmell Shepherd are asking the public to help them find the North West Family Business Awards ‘People’s Choice’ for the county. And this Wednesday, 5 February they will be holding their meet the judges’ day.

Originally a family firm themselves, Cartmell Shepherd has supported the Cumbrian Family Business awards since 2018, previously sponsoring the large hotel and leisure category, and are key partners of The Family Business Network. Now with the expansion into the North West, they are looking forward to this new award involving a public vote.

Peter Stafford, Cartmell Shepherd’s Managing Director, explained: “We really want to support businesses in Cumbria. We like the public involvement element in this award, as it opens-up the category to all businesses, making it much more inclusive. It gives people the opportunity to vote for the businesses they use and appreciate.

“Cumbria is a big county in size, if one of the smallest in population, and we are keen to be involved in an award which gives everyone an equal opportunity.

“You could be a small, family-run corner shop or large manufacturer that offers excellent service, and if your customers want to see your business recognised, they can vote for you.

“We work with many family businesses across Cumbria, and I am looking forward to hearing about many more through this award.

“Family businesses are some of the biggest employers in the county. This award is special, as it isn’t just about winning; it is about showcasing Cumbria.

“Cumbria is so diverse, with two World Heritage Sites – Borderlands and the Lake District, plus the Eden Valley, West Cumbria, Carlisle and Barrow all offering their own unique opportunities. We hope our award will show Cumbria has the Lake District and much more.”

“Through this award, we can help raise the profile of Cumbria, and show what a great place it is to do business and have a great work-life balance.

Founder and co-director of the North West Family Business Awards, Sue Howorth said: “The People’s Choice Cumbria award is open to family businesses of all sizes. The judges’ scores, together with the public vote, will determine the winner of the People’s Choice Cumbria Award 2020.

“You can vote for your favourite firm from 17 February up until the day before the awards ceremony in Manchester on 6 March 2020 by visiting The North West Family Business Awards website.”

Co-director of The North West Family Business Awards, Dave Clarkson said: “We would like to thank Cartmell Shepherd and all our sponsors of this year’s inaugural North West Family Business Awards. These include, alongside Cartmell Shepherd; NXT Recruitment, Gorvins Solicitors, Lancaster University, Enterprise Answers, Be the Business, Hawkshead Relish, FW Capital, Chesworth Communications, Front Row Graphics, Miles Moore Ceramics, Lamont Pridmore, net*, Western Pensions, Cumbriashare, Lancashare and Mancheshare.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our sponsors and family businesses at the awards ceremony. This is a great opportunity for family businesses to come together to recognised their successes and achievements.

“With our host for the evening, food writer and presenter Nigel Barden, we will celebrate in first-class style at the Concorde Hanger at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Centre, under the wings of Concorde. It is an evening not to be missed.”

Tickets for The North West Family Business Awards celebration are available via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?embed&eid=9515 

You can follow the awards on social media with the hashtags #NWFBA202 and #WeAreNorthWest

For further information about The Family Business Network visit: https://fambiznet.co.uk