The finalists for the 2018 Cumbria Family Business Awards have been revealed.
More than 100 family firms entered the prestigious awards and judges got together last week to whittle them down to a shortlist.
The shortlisted family businesses will be invited to meet the judges early next month before winners are decided.
The winners will receive their awards at an evening of celebration on March 9 at the Garden of Eden near Carlisle, hosted by Hairy Biker Dave Myers, from Barrow-in-Furness.
The seven judges were 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.
A further interview round will take place before the winners are chosen
All category winners will become automatic finalists for the national Family Business of The Year Awards, held in London in 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 shortlist is:
CT Hayton
The Moody Cow
Robustrak
Lovingly Artisan
Grasmere Gingerbread
Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
Ryecorn Ltd
Three Hares
The Churchmouse at Barbon
Askham Hall
Pioneer
Cunningham’s
JB Banks
Hayhurst Joinery
Bath House
Elton Finance
Financial Management Bureau
Stephenson Halliday
Roland Hill
CJ City
Augill Castle
Cedar Manor
Nanny Brow
Hazelbank Country House
English Lakes Hotels
The Wildsmith Group
The Regent Hotel
Heart of the Lakes
Reays
Downton Travel
Stalkers
Miles-Moore Ceramics
Lauren’s Cows
Heaton Cooper
Majik House
Three businesses have been awarded One to Watch Awards: Little Rascals Daycare, Barry Robinson Ltd and Feather & Springs.
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 a public vote next 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
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