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 SME Business – Sponsored by The Cumberland

RAF Engineering

RAF Engineering, an independent family-run SME, is led by husband and wife Rafal and Aneta Gibki. Committed to delivering exceptional service, the company has built a strong reputation for continuous improvement and innovation over its seven years. Rafal Gibki, the Managing Director, plays a hands-on role, imparting his extensive engineering expertise to guide the team towards success.

Despite economic uncertainties, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising energy costs, R.A.F Engineering has managed to grow and support apprenticeships. This commitment to local talent is fundamental to the company's ethos. Each year, the company enrols a new apprentice through a local college, providing vital training and skills development. Rafal Gibki emphasises the importance of supporting young people and bridging the skills gap in West Cumbria.

Since 2017 the company has focused on digital transformation and modernising its manufacturing and design software to enhance production efficiency and product quality. Core values include integrity, efficiency, teamwork, professionalism, and customer service. These principles drive a commitment to high standards, exceptional service, and maintaining a strong reputation within the North West engineering community.

In May 2023, RAF Engineering was honoured with the Local Business Hero award from the Mayor of Workington for their donation of The Nightingale Monument and received the Gold Award from Made Smarter for their dedication to digital transformation. These accolades reflect their proactive approach to embracing new technologies and their significant contributions to the local community.

A Lamb Associates Ltd

A Lamb Associates Limited (ALA), a distinguished Cumbrian construction consultancy, has experienced significant growth in recent years, largely due to a successful strategic plan implemented by its directors.

The "ALA25" business plan, launched in 2021 to commemorate the company's 25th anniversary, outlined a clear vision for future success while maintaining the firm's commitment to quality and core values.

The "ALA25" plan has achieved remarkable results. Directly employed staff numbers surged from 18 in 2021 to 48 by 2024 and revenue has increased from £1.9 million in 2022 to £3.5 million in 2023.

The company has prioritised training and development, significantly expanding the number of employees with chartered memberships, postgraduate degrees, and other professional qualifications.

ALA has also established a successful degree apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, currently supporting six apprentices with dedicated mentors. The company’s expertise in cross-country water and gas pipelines has led to membership in the international trade association IPLOCA and secured major projects in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Furthermore, ALA has enhanced its relationships with law firms, growing from one expert witness appointment in 2022 to seven in 2023. A pivotal development was the acquisition of Morham and Brotchie Partnership (M+BP), a renowned Edinburgh-based firm known for its traditional quantity surveying services. This acquisition has broadened ALA's service offering and aligned with its values of quality and sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, ALA’s directors have developed the "Beyond25" business plan, aiming to build on the successes of "ALA25" with a focus on sustainable and managed growth, profitability, and maintaining high standards.

Cumbria Wildflowers

Cumbria Wildflowers exemplifies exceptional leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Guided by a visionary team, the nursery prioritises ecological impact and biodiversity through its use of UK native wildflower seeds and sustainable gardening practices. Their forward-thinking approach includes reusing 60 per cent of their growing trays, reducing plastic usage, and adopting 100 per cent compostable packaging for all website orders, setting high industry standards.

The nursery has demonstrated robust financial performance, driven by its ability to address diverse market needs. With a clientele ranging from small private gardens to large habitat restoration projects, Cumbria Wildflowers has maintained a steady revenue stream. Their adaptable online shop supports sustained sales growth, while their contract growing and habitat restoration services diversify income sources, contributing to financial resilience.

Cumbria Wildflowers is a pioneer in green business practices, operating a peat-free nursery and employing recycled garden compost, biological pest control, and plant-based fertilisers. Their use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and a biomass boiler, along with innovative rainwater reuse and a biodigester/reed bed system, underscores their commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The nursery’s environmental stewardship extends into the community, engaging in wildlife conservation and collaborating with over 40 landowners on Environmental Stewardship projects across Cumbria. Their educational efforts promote sustainable gardening and foster environmental responsibility.

With a robust growth plan focused on reducing waste and exploring low-carbon packaging, Cumbria Wildflowers continues to lead in sustainability. Their blend of strong leadership, financial stability, and unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship makes them a deserving candidate for the SME of the Year Award.