Celebrating 50 years of Cumbria’s outstanding businesses

This year is the 50th anniversary of the county of Cumbria – and firms are urged to show the country the outstanding work they are doing by applying for a prestigious award.

Since 1975, 40 companies have won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise – now the King’s Award for Enterprise – and there is still time for Cumbrian businesses to put themselves forward for the 2025 awards.

Applications are open until 1pm on September 12. Businesses can self-nominate, and the process is free.

The King’s Award for Enterprise – which has several categories – is a game-changer for firms.

Valid for five years, they highlight exceptional achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and social mobility.

Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, said: “As we commemorate 50 years of Cumbria’s establishment, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the businesses that have been recognised with awards over the years.

“Their achievements not only highlight the excellence within our county but also inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

“These awards showcase the excellence in Cumbrian companies and demonstrate that we have world-class businesses in our county. Many more companies deserve and would benefit from the recognition that a King’s Award would bring.

“I hope that those eligible will take up the challenge to apply, as there is evidence from previous winners that the international standing of the award brings tangible benefits to their business.”

Cumbrian winners

• 1975: Export: The Marchon Division (UK) of Albright & Wilson Ltd, Whitehaven
• 1977: Export and technology: IBIS Medical Equipment & Supplies Ltd, Kendal; Henry Cooke Ltd, Beetham, Milnthorpe
• 1978: Export and technology: Kangol Wear Ltd, Cleator
• 1984: Export: Burlington Slate Ltd, Coniston; Camtex Fabrics Ltd, Workington
• 1988: Export: Lilliput Lane Ltd, Skirsgill, Penrith
• 1989: Technology: Hydra-Lok Limited, Barrow
• 1990: Export: British Sidac Ltd. Wigton
• 1991: Export: Burlington Slate Ltd, Coniston; Linton Tweeds Ltd, Carlisle; The Wayfarers UK Ltd, Aspatria
• 1993: Technology: Tronic Electronic Services Ltd, Ulverston
• 1994: Export: Camtex Fabrics Ltd, Workington
• 1995: Export: K Shoes, Kendal
• 2001: International trade and innovation: PAV Data Systems Ltd Windermere
• 2002: Sustainable development: The Cumberland Pencil Co. Keswick
• 2006: Innovation: Bells of Lazonby 
• 2009: Innovation: Forge Europa, Ulverston
• 2010: International trade: Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, Kendal
• 2013: The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, an individual award: Lady Cunningham. Enterprise Development Coach, Ways into Successful Enterprise, Allerdale Borough Council
• 2013: International trade: Totalpost Services Plc, Alston; Triveritas Limited
• 2018: International trade: Createc, Cockermouth; Sustainable development: The Lakes Free Range Egg Co
• 2019: Innovation: Createc, Cockermouth
• 2020: International trade: Clark Door Limited, Carlisle; Kendal Nutricare Ltd; Trade Copiers, Penrith. Sustainable development: The Quiet Site, Ullswater
• 2021: Innovation: Barrnon Ltd, Appleby
• 2022: Innovation: Alertacall; Chimney Sheep
• 2023: Innovation: Clark Door Limited, Carlisle. International trade: Fruugo, Ulverston; OEE Container Technology, Carlisle. Sustainable development: First Milk, Aspatria
• 2024: Sustainable development: The Quiet Site, Ullswater; Innovation: Createc, Cockermouth