The Cumbria Family Business Awards 2018 are now open for applications and nominations.

Businesses with two or more active family members can apply in any of the 12 categories, with the chance of being crowned Outstanding Family Business of the Year.

Those looking to nominate their favourite family business can also do so at www.cumbriafamilybusinessawards.uk - and because last year’s winners are restricted from entering, new winners are guaranteed.

This year’s awards were officially launched by creators and organisers Sue Howorth, of the Family Business Network, and Sophia Newton and Janett Walker of PR, events and social media company Flock.

Sophia said: “Family businesses in Cumbria deserve this positive recognition and we have some really exciting changes for 2018.

“The enormous impact winning these awards has already had on local family businesses proves to us that Cumbria Family Business Awards are doing their job.”

The event is backed by Armstrong Watson, Enterprise Answers and accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore. The Cumberland is sponsoring the Small Hotels, Leisure and Tourism category and Cartmell Shepherd is sponsoring the Large Leisure and Tourism category which was won by The Westmorland Family this year.

The judging panel consists of Graham Lamont, Paul Dickson, Grahame Latus, Maria Whitehead, Paul Andrews, Zoe Dawes, Jacqui Jackson and Jonathan Lee.

A long list will be judged before finalists are invited to a short live interview with the judges in February. The winners will be announced live at the ceremony, to be held on Friday 9th March at The Garden at Eden near Carlisle.

The categories are: Food and Drink Establishments; Agriculture, Forestry and Farming; Manufacturing; Property and Construction; Retailers and Wholesaler; Large Hotels, Leisure and Tourism; Small Hotels, Leisure and Tourism; Food and Drink Producers; Professional and Business Services; Transport and Logistics; Creative Business; and Employee of the Year.

All applicants can also choose to be put forward to the national Family Business of the Year Awards run by Family Business United. This year 13 Cumbrian family businesses were represented at the national awards, with three picking up awards.

Maria Whitehead, a previous entrant, national award winner and now a judge for the awards, said: “I cannot recommend highly enough any business in Cumbria entering these awards. Be loud. Be proud.”