Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has been shortlisted for a UK award.
It is in the running to be named Chamber of the Year at the British Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Awards 2023.
It is among five chambers to make the shortlist and the winner will be announced later this month.
Managing director Suzanne Caldwell and head of commercial and business growth Eve Halliday gave a presentation to the judging panel last week, highlighting its work including supporting firms via Cumbria Growth Hub, leading on Cumbria’s Local Skills Improvement Plan and engaging the business community actively in research, policy and advocacy, enabling an effective voice for Cumbrian businesses locally and nationally.
Ms Caldwell said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been shortlisted for Chamber of the Year. It really reflects hard work and commitment across the whole of our team on behalf of our members and the Cumbrian business community. And indeed the active participation of members, other businesses, partners and other stakeholders. So many thanks to all who’ve been involved. It’s a positive reflection on us all.
“The judges look right across the organisation, so it’s not just about membership and member services, it’s about the whole way we serve the business community and our wider involvement in the national and international Chamber network.
“Obviously we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a win! But whether we win or not, we know, and the judges were clear, that the things that have got us shortlisted are having a really positive impact for Cumbrian businesses.
“At the end of the day that’s what we’re about as a chamber – and we’ll be continuing to step it up from here!”
Meanwhile, two Cumbria Chamber of Commerce members and a patron have been named as North West winners in the awards.
McMenon Engineering Services Ltd, based in Workington, won the Game Changer Award (Entrepreneur of the Year).
McMenon is a leading manufacturer of flow and temperature measurement instruments. Since taking over the business, CEO Anand Puthran’s strategic vision and export-centric approach have propelled McMenon to significant and sustained growth on a global scale. Anand is also a board member and vice president of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.
OEE Container Technology Ltd, based in Carlisle, won the Global Player Award (Export Business of the Year).
OEE Container Technology Ltd provide engineering services to food and beverage packaging manufacturers. Since opening in 2018, OEE Container Technology has achieved significant and sustained growth internationally, recently achieving a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
Omega Proteins Ltd (Leo Group Ltd), based in Penrith, won the Planet Saver Award (Green Business of the Year). Chamber patron Omega Proteins recycles animal biproducts into meals and oils.
Ms Caldwell said: “It’s great to see their hard work and achievements being recognised. We’re keeping everything crossed for them as they now go forward into the national awards.
“We’re obviously delighted to have three regional winners among our members. This is a great hit rate for Cumbria as there are only eight categories. Given the number of accredited chambers in the North West, 38 per cent of the wins coming to the county is tremendous. It’s a reflection of the great businesses we have here in Cumbria.”
