The Cumberland Building Society is backing hospitality and food and drink businesses by supporting the county’s independent food awards.
The society, which has more than 20 years experience of working with the hospitality sector, is the new associate sponsor of the 2026 Cumbria Food Awards.
The fifth annual Cumbria Food Awards, held in association with headline sponsor Caterite, are due to take place at Kendal College on March 12.
The gala awards presentation evening will be hosted by TV presenter Chris Bavin, who will announce the winners of 13 competitive categories and three special awards in front of an audience of 165 finalists, sponsors and industry leaders.
The Cumberland, which supports businesses across the North of England and Scotland, is sponsor of the new Growing Strong Award, designed to recognise businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth and development during the previous 12 months.
Marking its 175th birthday this year, the building society’s purpose is to provide customers with a kinder banking experience.
Businesses are provided with a relationship-managed service, with access to a named contact who understands the sector in which they operate and their geographical area.
Head of commercial Scott McKerracher said their focus is on service and relationships.
He added: “Our business customers are looking for people who understand them, understand the business and understand the sector in which they operate and that’s what we provide.”
The Cumberland’s commercial team supports customers not only when business is growing but during any downturns. He added: “We’re there to help support them through difficult times.”
The team works with businesses across four key sectors: hospitality, food and drink, healthcare and professional services. Hotels, guest houses, producers, wholesalers, farm shops and delis are among its customers.
Commercial customers have access to a named specialist lending contact at The Cumberland, while products, which are designed specifically for businesses in each sector, include commercial mortgages, long-term lending and working capital, plus business savings and current accounts.
Scott said that the economic climate remains one of the major challenges for the hospitality industry but that brilliant businesses, of which there are hundreds in Cumbria, can come through tough times by innovating and diversifying – which will be recognised by the new Growing Strong Award.
The team at The Cumberland is keen to support the Cumbria Food Awards, he said, because they recognise the key role the hospitality industry plays in the UK’s economy – something that can sometimes be overlooked.
In Cumbria, a successful hospitality sector helps to bring in visitors and boost the economy further.
Scott said: “It just plays such a vital role in Cumbria. Food, drink and hospitality helps communities come together.”
The awards, which are free to enter, are now open for business entries and nominations. See www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
Cumbria Food Awards 2026 categories
The following categories are open for nominations:
- Specialist Food Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Hawkshead Relish
- Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Booths
- Drinks Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Grapevine
- Service of the Year – Sponsored by Academy by Simon Rogan
- Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year – Sponsored by Herdwick Cottages
- Sustainable Business of the Year
- Casual Dining Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Enterprise Answers
- Takeaway or Street Food Trader of the Year
- New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley
- Café of the Year – Sponsored by Cumbria Crack
- Contemporary Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
- Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Westmorland Farmshop
- Acclaimed Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by More? The Artisan Bakery
Special awards
No nominations are sought for these awards
- The Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Kendal College
- The Growing Strong Award – Sponsored by The Cumberland
- The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero – Sponsored by Caterite
Cumbria Food Awards are supported by headline sponsor Caterite, associate sponsor The Cumberland, media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and category sponsors.
