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This week we are profiling the shortlisted companies and individuals in this year's in-Cumbria Business Awards, in association with NRL. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Dalston Hall, Carlisle, on November 29, hosted by broadcaster Zara Janjua.

Best New Business

Lakes Estates

Lakes Estates began in October 2020 when directors Glenn Howard and Rob Anderson sought to revolutionise the estate agency model.

By June 2022, Lakes Estates was established, and the company has since achieved significant milestones. Lakes Estates has recently relocated to a prominent high street office from its original premises in Devonshire Arcade, in Penrith, sold over £4.5 million worth of property, and experienced a surge in valuation requests and new listings.

Glenn, Rob, and their fellow Director Michael have a clear vision for the company's future growth. They are supported by Emma and Hannah, who play pivotal roles in realising this vision.

Rob and Glenn handle valuations, viewings, and sales, while Michael manages the paperwork, instrumental in securing the new office location. Hannah Pickthalll, the Business Manager since the company's inception, excels in client care, coordinating with solicitors, vendors, purchasers, and surveyors. Emma Anderson, the Marketing Manager, infuses creativity into the business through photography, social media campaigns, and advertisements.

Despite being a small team, Lakes Estates is united in its commitment to transforming the estate agency experience. The company prides itself on transparency in fees, with charges based on the level of service required rather than the property's value, ensuring clients have full control.

Lakes Estates specialises in selling premium properties and is dedicated to providing a luxury selling experience, reflecting their pride in the remarkable progress made in just two years.

Little Miss Social Media

Littlemissocialmedia (LMS) was established in January 2023 by Cecile Clark, a determined entrepreneur who began her journey at just 19 years old.

After earning a triple distinction star for her business diploma at Kendal College, Cecile transitioned into industry as a marketing assistant. Despite her early success, she chose to pursue her own path, investing her savings in an online course and working part-time while developing her business.

Within the first two months, she secured her first client, Levens Kitchen at Levens Hall, and recouped her initial investment within three months. Now 20, Cecile celebrates a successful first year of running LMS.

LMS manages a diverse array of social media accounts for businesses across the Lake District, helping clients achieve record sales, busy days, and more time to focus on their core operations. Motivated by witnessing her father's hard work in his own business, Cecile sought to assist small businesses in showcasing their products and services amidst their daily challenges.

Since its inception, LMS has handled over 15 social media accounts across various platforms, serving industries such as farming, baking, caravan parks, and excavation. From using just an iPhone 12 to expanding her toolkit and employing her sisters, Cecile has significantly grown the business. LMS has also expanded to Lincolnshire, working with arborists and excavation firms.

Looking ahead, Cecile plans to diversify LMS by adding services like UGC and drone videography and hopes to offer apprenticeship opportunities to foster growth in the rural community.

One-O-Five Precision Ltd

One-O-Five, a precision CNC machining company based in Dalston, Cumbria, was incorporated in July 2022. Since its inception, the business has experienced significant growth and now employs seven staff members, including nearly 40 per cent apprentices specialising in Level Three Machining. The company has made substantial investments in new machinery and has quickly established a reputation in the Cumbrian area for its high-quality machining and its commitment to a "right first time" ethos.

One-O-Five has successfully expanded its operations into the nuclear, defence, and oil and gas sectors. Looking to the future, the company aims to further enhance its capabilities through digitalisation of its workshop, leveraging Made Smarter funding, and the implementation of robotics. Addressing the skills gap is also a priority, with plans to train a new generation of apprentices as part of its initiative to build #team105.

The company prides itself on delivering both one-off and batch machining works to a high standard, with a focus on maintaining short lead times while upholding quality, health and safety, and environmental standards.

Through its dedication to excellence and innovation, the company seeks to build lasting relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, solidifying its position as a rising name in precision machining.

Basecamp North Lakes

Basecamp North Lakes, established in May 2022, is an innovative venture dedicated to sustainable and forward-thinking rural enterprise.

Founded by Emma Smalley and Terry Barlow, the business emerged from their previous operations with Alpacaly Ever After, a Community Interest Company (CIC) based near Keswick, which managed 200 rescued alpacas. To expand their operations and realise their vision of a sustainable rural business, Emma and Terry secured investment to acquire the former Cocklakes turkey farm and café site on the A66.

Since its acquisition, Basecamp North Lakes has invested over £700,000 to enhance the site.

Upgrades include new fencing, land drainage, and resurfacing for Alpacaly Ever After, as well as improvements to the Farm Shop and Mess Hall. Notable changes include adopting sustainable packaging, enhancing drainage and flood prevention, and conducting a comprehensive fire safety assessment.

The café's capacity has increased significantly, with footfall rising from 60 to over 200 daily, and the business has received three national awards for its pies and meat products, along with a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2023.

Basecamp aims to further its impact by expanding local supplier networks, increasing the range of local and seasonal produce, and developing new initiatives such as egg production and mushroom cultivation. Plans also include opening new kitchen and staff facilities in July 2024 and enhancing community engagement through the Community Produce Garden. Collaborative projects with organisations like the Lake District National Park Authority and Natural England will focus on biodiversity and habitat restoration.