The BECBC Awards 2025 brought together hundreds of guests to honour the very best of Cumbria’s energy supply chain.
Sponsored by Sellafield Ltd, the evening was a showcase of innovation, collaboration and community spirit.
This year’s event featured a chocolate-themed celebration, marking the retirement of John Grainger, BECBC’s Executive Director. In recognition of John’s outstanding contribution, a new accolade – the John Grainger Lifetime Achievement Award – was introduced, cementing his legacy within the sector.
Guests enjoyed an evening of celebration and generosity, raising thousands of pounds for the outgoing Charity of the Year, the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
The awards highlighted the resilience and creativity of businesses driving progress across the region.
Dianne Richardson, BECBC chief executive, said: “What an incredible evening! It was fantastic to see so many members of our energy supply chain come together to celebrate the achievements that make Cumbria such a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration.
“Every winner truly deserved their recognition, and the atmosphere in the room was electric.
“We’re proud to have raised thousands for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, a charity close to our hearts. Nights like this remind us why our community is so special. Let’s do it all again next year – bigger and better!”
Among the winners was David Allen IT Solutions, which won the Empowering the Next Generation Award.
David Arnold, director of David Allen IT Solutions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won. Watching our team grow and develop their careers is what it’s all about.
“We’ve got so much talent right here in Cumbria and we are proud to be part of helping it shine.”
Business Crack was backstage at the event and caught up with Dianne, John and some of the nominees before the awards were announced.
Listen to our podcast, presented by Nigel Thompson, here:
Winners
Business of the Year
- Forth
Business Person of the Year
- Vicky Brown (No Name Travel)
Charity of the Year
- Always Another Way
Rising Star
- Aaron Neary (Ansaldo)
Empowering the Next Generation
- David Allen IT Solutions
Growing Business
- Adamedia
Micro Business
- Clint Stamper Training Limited
Performance Culture
- Red Engineering
Social Value
- Forth
Ambassador of the Year
- Garry Smith (Thomas Graham)
Environmental
- Cavendish Nuclear
Partnership
- Cumbria Community Foundation & Sellafield Ltd
John Grainger Award
- Emma-Jayne Gooch
