Three Cumbrian businesses have been awarded £10,000 to help them accelerate growth.
Six firms were shortlisted in the Mitie Business Boost competition, which is designed to empower West Cumbrian start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs by providing expert-led workshops, mentorship and crucial funding to drive sustainable development.
Cumberland Flower Farm, Executive Electric Cars Cumbria and Lakeland Life emerged as the winners, demonstrating strong business strategies and a commitment to sustainability.
This year, Mitie partnered with the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) and OneAIM who joined forces to bring £10,000 each as well as their expertise to support the programme and the businesses that signed up.
With continued support from Sellafield Ltd. collaboration has played a crucial role in ensuring the initiative delivers real, lasting impact for West Cumbrian enterprises. Mitie said.
The six finalists were:
- Cumberland Flower Farm – Run by Harriet Smithson, a sustainable flower farm growing seasonal, locally sourced West Cumbrian blooms for bouquets, events, and floral workshops.
- Executive Electric Cars Cumbria – Neil Schofield’s premium, eco-friendly transport service including luxury chauffeur-driven electric vehicles based in West Cumbria.
- Lakeland Life – Aaron Groggins’ social enterprise dedicated to organising community events across north and West Cumbria supporting wellbeing and social inclusion through creative and outdoor experiences.
- Wild Wool Barn – Susan Denham-Smith’s remote, off-grid retreat in the western Lake District offering unique stays and outdoor experiences surrounded by nature.
- Dosa Chaska – Run by Sachin Mishra, the business bringing authentic South Indian flavours to West Cumbria with freshly made Dosas and traditional dishes.
- Campion Creative – Run by Molly Campion & Emily Birstonas, it specialises in branding, digital marketing, and bespoke visual content for businesses.
Participants benefitted from expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentorship to refine their business strategies and sustainability commitments.
The workshops covered essential areas such as environmental impact, social value and financial sustainability, equipping participants with practical skills to develop strong business plans.
Finalists also received personalised coaching, business plan reviews delivered by Complete Business Advisory Solutions Ltd and Realise HR, and professional videography by Adamedia to enhance their brand presence and prepare for the final pitch.
The final event was hosted at Muncaster Castle.
On February 13, the finalists delivered compelling pitches to an expert judging panel – Gary McKeating, managing director of iSH; Gina Goulding, owner of Bakes By Gina, last year’s competition winner; Parth Metha, director zero carbon consultant, Mitie; Paul Fletcher, group director at Amentum and OneAIM executive board chair; and Lindsay Gray, managing director of Natterjack Marketing.
Each finalist highlighted their growth strategies, sustainability commitments and how the £10,000 investment would transform their businesses. The evening concluded with a celebration at Muncaster Castle, where the winners were officially announced and celebrated.
Mr Fletcher said: “OneAIM were proud to be involved in the Business Boost programme for 2025. It was a privilege to be a part of the judging panel and at the same time challenging to differentiate between a diverse range of businesses.
“At OneAIM we firmly believe in not reinventing wheels and that as businesses we are stronger collectively – supporting the Business Boost was a no brainier as it aligns with our beliefs and objectives to foster a thriving, diverse and sustainable economy.’’
Mr McKeating added: “This is an exciting programme to have been involved in and I was delighted to have seen the vision, talent and ambition of each of the finalists. The iSH criteria was around business growth and each of the companies demonstrated that.
“Our congratulations go to the three Business Boost winners this year. The prize provides a truly valuable package of support which has the potential to help them to move towards the growth they are striving to achieve, resulting in a stronger, more diverse economy for the region overall.”
Tracey West, senior social impact manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The Mitie Business Boost is a fantastic example of how our procurement strategy delivers long-term social impact through the facilities management contract at Sellafield.
“It strongly aligns with our resilient economy’s objective, supporting small businesses with the ambition and potential to grow. We are investing in the future of West Cumbria, empowering entrepreneurs, fostering skills development, and creating a strong and sustainable local business ecosystem that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
