Cumbrian firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is supporting the county’s food and drink businesses as they strive to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.
The leading firm has been announced as sponsor of the Innovation of the Year category at the new Cumbria Food Awards.
The award is to recognise businesses or individuals who have made a pivot or launched a venture which has taken them in a new direction. The judges will be particularly interested in innovations brought in to adapt to the pandemic.
Cartmell Shepherd works with many hospitality, food, leisure and tourism businesses.
Head of corporate and commercial Sam Lyon said that their clients in the sector had been hit hard during lockdowns. Some had changed direction and used the time to focus on different parts of their businesses.
He said they were delighted to sponsor the awards to back the industry: “It’s to show support to a sector that’s been hit as hard as any in the pandemic.”
By sponsoring the Innovation of the Year award, he said that Cartmell Shepherd wanted to recognise those who had pushed things forward despite the circumstances: “It’s nice to acknowledge those business that have really tried to create something out of the situation.”
Cartmell Shepherd has five branches in Cumbria and one in Haltwhistle in Northumberland. Its 90-strong team includes 40 solicitors, making it one of the largest legal firms in the county.
The firm’s employment team worked extensively with hospitality clients as they adjusted to changing circumstances during the pandemic and is on hand to deal with day-to-day issues. The business services team deals with other issues related to the sector, including commercial property.
Cumbria Food Awards, in association with Caterite, is a new and independent event.
The awards take place at Kendal College on March 3, 2022 and will be hosted by TV chef and presenter Dave Myers.
