In just a few weeks time we will unveil the winners of our prestigious in-Cumbria Business Awards 2024. The event on November 29th is set to be one of our biggest business awards in years with more than 250 guests and more entries than ever before.

One of the judges, Graham Lamont, chief executive, Lamont Pridmore, said: “2024 has been an exceptional year for the in-Cumbria Business Awards – in fact, one of the best years I’ve known as a long-standing judge in the competition. There was a vastly diverse range of businesses in each category, which makes for interesting debate and discussion among the judging panel. 

“Choosing a winner was extremely difficult as most of the finalists were worthy of the accolade and the final decisions were very close.  The winners in each category can be very proud of their hard-fought achievements!”

The event, in association with NRL, is being held at Dalston Hall, Carlisle, a Grade II listed castle with its own helipad.

All the winners, including the recipient of the prestigious Robin Burgess Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by BAE Systems, will be announced by this year’s host and broadcaster Zara Janjua. After the meal and presentation of the awards there will be an after-show party including a DJ, sax player and casino.

In-Cumbria associate editor Sue Riley said: “It’s not long now and we can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s event which will be our biggest yet. A huge thank you to everyone who entered the awards this year, the sponsors who made it possible and the judges who give up so much of their valuable time. We really appreciate your involvement and look forward to a night celebrating Cumbria’s most inspirational people and businesses.”

This year’s judges were: Rebecca Graves, NRL; Carol O’Donoghue, Cartmell Shepherd; Rachael Bell, of Rachael Bell Wealth Management; Ben Heslop, BIPC programme manager; Graham Lamont, of Lamont Pridmore; Kelly Ashbridge, The Cumberland; Phil Redfern, React Engineering; John Sidney, University of Cumbria; Caroline Barber, 32 West; Rachael Seal, David Allen and Jayne Moorby, Oxley Developments.

(Image: Zara Janjua)

THE SHORTLISTED AWARD WINNERS ARE:

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management

Rachel Bell, Lake District Estates

Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd

Mark Telford, Forth

NEW FOR 2024 

BEST DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BUSINESS  - Sponsored by KBR

The Peoples Conference Centre, Carlisle

The Cumberland

Carlisle College

APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR  - Sponsored by David Allen 

Lisa Ellis, Carlisle College

Stephen Kirk, Burnetts

Chloe Ferguson, Forth

BEST LARGE BUSINESS - Sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd 

Genesis Homes

Furness Building Society

Kendamil, Kendal

BEST SME BUSINESS  - Sponsored by The Cumberland 

A Lamb Associates Ltd

RAF Engineering

Cumbria Wildflowers

BEST NEW BUSINESS 

Lakes Estates, Penrith

Little Miss Social Media

One-O-Five Precision Ltd

Basecamp North Lakes

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS  - Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore 

CHC Group, Kendal

Holgates Caravan Parks Ltd, Silverdale

Stollers, Barrow-in-Furness

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANY – Sponsored by NRL 

Platinum Live

Realise HR

VA Consultants Global Ltd

BEST GREEN BUSINESS  

Cumberland Flower Farm

Shed One Distillery, Ulverston

Muncaster Castle

BEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT  - Sponsored by React Engineering 

Shed One Distillery, Ulverston

The Rebuild Site

Cumberland Building Society

FLYING THE FLAG FOR CUMBRIA AWARD  - Sponsored by The University of Cumbria 

OEE Container Technology Ltd

Forth

Harrison & Hetherington

BEST MARKETING PROFESSIONAL/TEAM - Sponsored by 32 West  

Nicci Rigby, Mission CX

Hannah Lewis, Realise HR

Sue Colling, Lloyd Ltd