[F]inalists have been announced for the Cumbria Family Business Awards 2018. A record number of applications were judged by the expert judging panel comprising of Paul Dickson of Armstrong Watson, Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers, Graham Lamont of family-run Lamont Pridmore, Maria Whitehead OBE of family business Hawkshead Relish, Jacqui Jackson of family owned Thomas Jardine & Co, Paul Andrews of Family Business United and Zoe Dawes The Quirky Traveller.
The initial judging took place on Thursday 25th January at Enterprise Answers in Penrith, those judges who couldn’t be present submitted their scores from as far as India. There is much at stake this year as all category winners will also be automatic finalists for the national Family Business of The Year Awards which are held in London this June.
The Cumbria Family Business Awards were set up by Sue Howorth of The Family Business Network Ltd and Sophia Newton and Janett Walker of the events and PR company Flock to celebrate and encourage family business in the county.
The chosen finalists are as follows:
Agriculture Forestry and Farming
- CT Hayton
- The Moody Cow
- Robustrak
Food and Drink Producers
- Lovingly Artisan
- Grasmere Gingerbread
- Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
Food and Drink Establishments
- Ryecorn Ltd
- Three Hares
- The Churchmouse at Barbon
- Askham Hall
Retailers and Wholesalers
- Pioneer
- Cunningham’s
- JB Banks
Manufacturing
- Hayhurst Joinery
- Bath House
Professional Business and People Services
- Elton Finance
- Financial Management Bureau
- Stephenson Halliday
Property and Construction
- Roland Hill
- CJ City
Small Leisure and Tourism Business
- Augill Castle
- Cedar Manor
- Nanny Brow
- Hazelbank Country House
Large Leisure and Tourism Business
- English Lakes Hotels
- The Wildsmith Group
- The Regent Hotel
- Heart of the Lakes
Transport and Logistics
- Reays
- Downton Travel
- Stalkers
Creative Business
- Miles-Moore Ceramics
- Lauren’s Cows
- Heaton Cooper
- Majik House
Three additional businesses have been awarded One to Watch Awards: Little Rascals Daycare, Barry Robinson Ltd and Feather & Springs.
Employee of the Year Finalists
- Lynn Logan, Heart of The Lakes
- Cath Irwin, The Regent Hotel
- David Forsythe, Stephenson Halliday
- Nick Owen, Elterwater Hostel
- Nevil Jeffery, English Lakes Hotels
- Geoff Whitehead, Lamplighter
- Rachel Jackson, Roland Hill
- Tony Davies, Virginia House
- Chloe Dent, Trade Copiers
The employee finalists have been scored by the judges and will be open to an online public vote later this week. The public scores will be added to the judges scores, and the winner will be announced at the ceremony. Votes can be cast on the website www.cumbriafamilybusinessawards.uk
Judge Zoe Dawes The Quirky Traveller said “There have been some tough decisions made already, all the judges commented on the extremely high standard of applications. It was clear that huge amounts of effort have been put in by those applying. It is a privilege to judge these awards, they’re special because it’s as much about the family stories as the business success. I think the next stage where we meet the finalists is going to be particularly interesting, and choosing the winners will be a very difficult decision for us all!”
The thirty-five finalists are now invited to meet the judges in early February. The judges will then make their final decisions on the winners, who will be announced at the glittering ceremony hosted by Hairy Biker Dave Myers on Friday 9th March at The Garden at Eden Carlisle.
