Cumbrian firms are among those who have reached the finals of the prestigious North West Family Business Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place on May 8 in Liverpool, hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, co-founders of The Family Business Community, alongside renowned food and drink writer and presenter, Nigel Barden.
Organisers said a record number of family businesses from across the region entered the 2026 awards.
Sue, co-founder and director of The Family Business Community, said: “The quality of this year’s entries made the judges’ decisions extremely challenging. The finalists should be incredibly proud of their achievements. We’re looking forward to celebrating with all the family businesses in our region.”
Dave added: “We are thrilled by the level of commitment and attention to detail shown by all the applicants. The strength and diversity of the entries have truly impressed us.”
Shed One, a husband-and-wife-owned and run micro distillery in Ulverston, is a finalist in two categories – Food & Drink Producers (Small Business) and Leisure & Tourism.
Zoe Arnold-Bennett, who runs it with her husband Andy, said: “I’m feeling just a little bit proud of The Shed and our brilliant team.
“With so many quality family businesses in our region, it’s a great achievement to be shortlisted in one category, so we’re thrilled to be finalists for two awards.
“Our aim is always to make visitors to The Shed feel at home. We welcome them into our little haven and make sure there are plenty of smiles on faces, whether they are popping in for a drink, to buy one of our artisan spirits, enjoying an Afternoon G&Tea, or learning something new on one of our experiences.
“It’s always about making sure people have a good time, and being acknowledged by awards such as the respected North West Family Business Awards, is a big compliment to the efforts of the whole team.”
Other Cumbrian finalists include Kirkbride’s Tweddle Engineering, Wigton’s Twoey, Cafe Ambio, which has branches in Whinlatter, Backbarrow, Grizedale Forest and Junction 36 at Kendal, Kendal’s Penningtons Tea & Coffee, Kin Kendal, Carlisle’s Tech4 and Jessica Cleaves, of Twoey.
Paul Thorburn, managing director of Tech4, said: “We’re really proud to be recognised. It means a lot to the whole team, they’re absolutely over the moon.
“It feels like a real reflection of the hard work that’s gone in over the years to build the business and support our customers.
“Being based in Cumbria, it can sometimes feel like businesses here get overlooked. There’s lots and lots of green grass, but there are lots and lots of incredible companies in the county too.
“We’ve grown a lot in recent years through partnerships and acquisitions, supporting organisations across the UK. To be recognised at this level is a great moment for us.”
Finalists will soon receive a visit from a specially selected panel of judges, who will assess the businesses before making their decisions.
