FINALISTS have been announced in this year’s prestigious in-Cumbria awards, recognising and honouring the best of the county’s business community.

Judging has now been completed for the Newsquest in-Cumbria Business Awards 2023, with the many fantastic nominations being whittled down to 33 companies and individuals on the shortlist.

News and Star: The judging panel for the prestigious awardsThe judging panel for the prestigious awards (Image: Supplied)

The prestigious judging panel consisted of Rachael Bell from Rachael Bell Wealth Management; Carol Fish of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors; Graham Lamont from Lamont Pridmore; Mark Bowman of Inspira; Karen Hadley from the University of Cumbria; Kelly Ashbridge of The Cumberland; Caroline Barber from 32West; Gail Rajjayaburn of David Allen; Jim Walker from Cumbria Tourism and Rebecca Graves, director at NRL.

Guests at the awards will be treated to a night of entertainment, socialising and delicious food and drink, hosted by hypnotist and mind reader Aaron Calvert.

News and Star: Last year’s winners included Jim Walker, who won the Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria Award in recognition of his long service to the sector in a variety of rolesLast year’s winners included Jim Walker, who won the Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria Award in recognition of his long service to the sector in a variety of roles (Image: Newsquest)

Aaron initially trained as a doctor before combining his skills as a mind reader and hypnotist to bring thrilling live shows to audiences all over the country.

He has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is also the star of Channel 4 show Hello Stranger.

The in-Cumbria Business Awards will take place on November 23 at The Halston, Carlisle.

Here are your in-Cumbria Business Award Finalists:

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by David Allen

  • Charlotte Maxwell, Project Management, React Engineering
  • James Middleton, 1818 Auctioneers
  • Deniss Fridenbergs, Plastering apprentice, Carlisle College

Best Marketeer – sponsored by 32 West

  • Emma Sherlock, Stan Sherlock Associates
  • Oliver Hodgson, Platinum Live
  • Mark Metcalf, West Port

Best Family Business – sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

  • Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park
  • Low Sizergh Barn
  • Stanwix Park Holiday Centre

Flying the Flag for Cumbria – sponsored by University of Cumbria

  • 1818 Auctioneers
  • Cumbria Tourism
  • Fine Art Restoration

Businessperson of the Year – sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management

  • Kurt Canfield, Delkia
  • Mark Telford, Forth
  • Phil Redfern, React

Engineering Green/Ethical Business of the Year

  • The Natural Plant Food Company
  • Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park
  • Paragon Vets

Large Business of the Year

  • The Cumberland
  • University of Cumbria
  • Genesis Homes

New Business of the Year – sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd

  • The Rebuild Site, CIC
  • Fisher Financial Associates
  • Laik

Professional Services Business of the Year – sponsored by NRL

  • Dynamis Training
  • Rachael Bell Wealth Management
  • CCL Solutions

Best Community Involvement – sponsored by The Cumberland

  • Forth
  • Rachael Bell Wealth Management
  • Razzamataz Theatre Schools

SME of the Year – sponsored by Inspira

  • Delkia
  • Explosive Productions Ltd
  • Harrison Network Ltd