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:

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 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 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