Several Cumbrian firms were among the winners at The North West Family Business Awards 2023.
The ceremony was a night to remember as the regional champions were crowned in front of a packed audience in Manchester. The event celebrates the success and accomplishments of family-owned businesses throughout the North West region.
With an audience of 500, entrepreneurs, industry experts and leaders came together to recognise the achievements of the region’s most innovative and successful family businesses.
Ulverston business The Plastic Bottles Company won the Business Services category. The company provides plastic container products across the world.
Another Ulverston business, Shed One Distillery, scooped the award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The gin producer has won multiple awards, including the Cumbria Visitor Experience of the Year 2023 and shortlisted in the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
Shed One co-owner and founder, Zoe Arnold-Bennett, said: “With our ever-growing range of gin-based experiences at the distillery, we’ve developed into so much more than when we originally started as a gin producer. And of course we’re delighted the North West Family Business Awards judges have recognised this too.
“We’re a true family business in every sense and many of our loyal customers tell us they feel proud to be welcomed in as part of the Shed One family.”
Carlisle-headquartered Pioneer Food Service was awarded Wholesaler of the Year. The company delivers over 4,000 products from fresh meat and fish, frozen foods and groceries to cleaning products and tableware to customers across the region.
Pioneer’s managing director Graham Jenkins said: “It’s fantastic to be held in such high esteem with industry experts and we’re honoured to receive this award on behalf of the whole team at Pioneer. This award is a testament to the dedication, loyalty and hard work of all our colleagues which enables us to deliver a first-class service.
“We also thank all our other supporters; whether they’re customers or suppliers. We understand without their support, our job would be a lot harder!
“As always, the competition was tough and we certainly pass our respect onto all who where shortlisted for the awards.”
George Romney Ltd, famous for its Kendal Mint Cake took home the People’s Choice Award for Cumbria.
The fourth-generation family business employs 19 people from its Kendal headquarters and produces over 100 tonnes of mint cake every year. The snack was famously eaten by explorer Sir Edmund Hillary on his successful summit of Mount Everest.
In a statement on its website, it said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for our family business and to the judges for recognising all the hard work we’ve done!”
Windermere’s Park Cliffe won the leisure and tourism small business of the year title. The park is run by Susan and Derek Dickson and the couple took it over 15 years ago.
Susan said: “We were knocked for six when the announcement was made that we had taken first place in this heavily contested category,” said Susan.
“These awards meant a lot to us as they focus not just on the business as a successful family-run enterprise, but also on how we provide a memorable experience for guests.
“Judges looked at what customers were saying in their reviews about Park Cliffe, and how we encourage staff to engage with guests and help them enjoy their stay.
“The fact that we managed to tick all the boxes is an amazing credit to our team here!”
The awards were once again presented by food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden along with co-founders of the Family Business Community, Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth.
The founders said: “The turnout was our largest to date and felt a fantastic energy in the room which was incredible. We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support the awards and recognise the hard work and dedication of our North West family businesses. It was truly an unforgettable night for everyone in the room!
“We would like to give thanks to our judges, events team, sponsors, and all the incredible individuals and organisations who participated in our awards. Your support and dedication have made this event a tremendous success once again, and we are truly grateful for all that you have done.”
