Several Cumbrian businesses have been nominated for prestigious northern awards.
Eleven firms are in the running for a Rural Business Award.
The awards are organised by rural business, with winners in the 13 categories – ranging from Best Rural Start-up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Innovation – decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.
Winners of the northern regional awards, who will be revealed on October 1, will go on to the national final early next year.
Cumbria’s finalists are:
- Best rural retail business: Ginger Bakers, Kendal.
- Best Rural Professional Services Business: Growthviser, Ulverston; Thomson Hayton Winkley and the Rural Law Practice, Kendal.
- Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project: Whistling Crew Productions CIC, Carlisle.
- Best Rural Tourism Business: The Quiet Site, Ullswater; Sally’s Cottages, Keswick.
- Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business: Keswick Adventures, Keswick; Newlands Adventure Centre, near Keswick.
- Best Rural Food or Drink Business: Hawkshead Relish, Hawkshead; Shed 1 Gin, Ulverston.
- The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award: Barker & Bland, Dalefoot, Eden.
They are up against firms from Scotland, the North East, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Isle of Man and Cheshire.
Director and co-founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses.
“We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do.”
The Rural Business Awards is hosting a series of regional finals in the North, East, Midlands, South West, Wales and Northern Ireland, throughout October 2021, ahead of the National Final being held in February 2022.
