A MARKETING service which champions Furness businesses far and wide has held a celebration night.

The Best of Barrow and Furness held an evening of celebration and networking at Cooke’s Studios, in Barrow, on Monday.

Suzanne and John Edgley have been operating the franchise since the summer. The marketing support service works with businesses, promoting them through The Best of Barrow and Furness website.

The website features customer reviews in a similar way to TripAdvisor.

The evening included guest speaker Craig Sherrington, who shared his story from taking over the General Burgoyne, in Urswick, to his decision to leave behind the successful gastro pub and follow his dreams to open Virginia House, in Ulverston, a fine dining restaurant with rooms and a gin parlour.

Gas Water Heating Servicing Ltd was named Business of the Year 2016.

The business, in Risedale Road, Barrow, is run by Graham and Sue Minhinnick.

The award was based on the great customer feedback received through the website, as the business had received more than 100 reviews.

Mrs Minhinnick said: “We are proud and chuffed. It is very nice that this is based on what customers said.

“It’s good to get the feedback that the lads are working well.

“It’s good to be part of the Best of Barrow and Furness. I like to ask people where they heard about us and its nice to see they saw us on this website.”

The Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show was also highly commended on the night. The evening also recognised new members such Virginia House, Barrow Credit Union, Abbey Mill, Angela’s Angels, Photo Express, and Cloud9 Beauty Rooms.

Mrs Edgley said: “We have had a really good response from the public and local businesses.

“We have a variety of businesses in this area and people want to go to one place and see what is what. We work with businesses and have free services with the hospice and we work with the credit union.”