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 Professional Services Business, Sponsored by NRL

Realise HR

Realise HR is an award-winning HR consultancy based in Cumbria, renowned for delivering bespoke solutions to a diverse range of organisations across the UK and Europe. The firm excels in enhancing business performance and cultivating high-performance cultures through tailored HR and leadership services. Realise has garnered significant growth, with over 80 per cent of new clients acquired through word of mouth. Their net promoter scores are exemplary, standing at +70 for HR services and +40 for recruitment services, well above industry benchmarks.

Realise’s approach is not one-size-fits-all; they focus on customised strategies that align with each client’s specific needs, delivering substantial value and impact.

The consultancy prides itself on its professional credentials, boasting CIPD-qualified HR professionals with over 150 years of combined experience. They have recently launched an ILM Level 5 accredited People Management course and invested in data protection measures like Cyber Essentials. Realise has also significantly boosted its brand presence, thanks to the appointment of Marketing Manager Hannah Lewis in 2022, resulting in a 50 per cent rise in inbound enquiries and over three million social media impressions this year.

Their commitment to growth is reflected in their financial success, with turnover rising from £500,000 in 2022 to over £600,000 in 2023. Realise’s focus on sustainability includes planting over 110 trees and actively investing in the next generation through various community engagements.

Platinum Live

Platinum Live, based in Whitehaven, is a dynamic and innovative creative communications agency that has rapidly established itself as a leader since its founding in March 2020. Offering a wide range of professional services, including public relations, marketing, content creation, and strategic consultancy, the agency is set to expand with a new office opening in Manchester.

Recognised for its excellence, Platinum Live has received acclaim from notable industry sources such as Prolific North, Sky News, and Business Insider. The team, boasting decades of experience across PR, social media, live events, and consultancy has collaborated with high-profile brands including Mitie, Porsche, and the BBC. They have also engaged with notable personalities like Tinie Tempah and Chris Moyles.

The agency's expertise extends to building robust media relationships, which ensures comprehensive coverage across various platforms, from regional to international media. Their proficiency in event management is evident from the successful execution of over 45 live events, including awards dinners and product launches.

Platinum Live’s client retention rate is impressive, with 85 per cent of clients remaining with the agency since its inception, highlighting their commitment to delivering dynamic and effective solutions. The agency’s expansion and success are further supported by their impressive media coverage and social media impact, reaching over 25 million people in the past year alone.

The firm is also dedicated to community and charitable work. They have supported local charities and worked pro bono with marathon runner Gary McKee, significantly raising £1.4 million for cancer charities through extensive media coverage. Managing Director Oliver Hodgson emphasises the company’s client-centric approach and its dual focus on global impact and local community engagement, positioning Platinum Live as a leading force in the industry.

VA Consultants Global Limited

VA collaborates with numerous companies across the UK and globally, enhancing their business performance and cultivating high-performance cultures through advanced leadership and management practices. Over the past five years, VA has expanded its client portfolio and increased turnover, thanks to its exceptional reputation and successful delivery outcomes.

Specialising in transformational consulting and leadership, VA adopts a systemic approach to improve organisational effectiveness by aligning business strategy with people development processes. The firm provides innovative and impactful people-focused strategies designed to elevate organisational performance, foster a positive culture, and create lasting value. VA partners with clients across various sectors to deliver measurable performance improvements, resulting in visible enhancements in organisational culture and increased employee engagement.

Committed to staying ahead of the competition, VA continually refines its intellectual property and propositions to ensure they are cutting-edge and future-focused. The company prides itself on being a 'change maker,' dedicated to achieving excellence and innovation. VA's new vision emphasises prioritising quality over quantity, with a commitment to placing people and culture at the core of organisational success. This approach aims to drive a leadership revolution by shaping the future through brilliance and dedication.

VA’s extensive collection of client testimonials further attests to its credentials and successes, highlighting its significant impact and effectiveness in transforming organisational dynamics and performance.