A RAFT of south Cumbria firms are in contention to be named the Family Business of the Year for the north of England and Northern Ireland. 

The awards are organised by Family Business United, an award-winning magazine and resource centre which champions and celebrates the family business sector.

Now in their fourth year, the awards were created to recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK and to highlight the contribution family firms make to the UK economy.

Of the 15 firms nominated in the whole of the north, seven are from south Cumbria.

They include Hawkshead Relish; Low Sizergh Barn, a farm shop, tea room and craft shop in Kendal; and English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues, whose catalogue includes Low Wood Bay hotel and marina at Windermere. 

Also shortlisted are the Heart of the Lakes, which rents cottages, lodges and apartments in the Lake District; the Dale Lodge Hotel in Grasmere; and Nanny Brow, a luxury B&B in Ambleside. 

Playdale, of Haverthwaite, which designs, manufactures and installs outdoor playground equipment, is also nominated. 

Twoey Toys, from the north of the county, was also nominated.

The awards are open to family firms of all generations, sizes and sectors. 

The results are to be determined through a combination of a judging panel and an online vote, with all shortlisted firms in all of the regions eligible for the People’s Choice Award that is determined purely by public vote. 

Each of the shortlisted firms are in the running for the overall Family Business of the Year 2016 and finalists in the sector categories will be announced in the spring.

Paul Andrews, founder and managing director of Family Business United, said: "We are delighted to be able to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses, some that have succeeded for numerous generations and continue to thrive, and others that are relatively young but have great values at the heart of what they do."

Sue Coulson, director of Coulson Associates and sponsors of the award, said: "Any one of those shortlisted would make worthy winners and ambassadors for the sector. 

"We are looking forward to finding out more about each of them and I am sure that the decisions to determine the winner will not be easy. 

"Previous winners of the award include NBT Group, Potter Logistics and JW Lees Brewery so they are following in the footsteps of some incredible family firms."

The awards process concludes at a gala reception and awards ceremony that takes place in London at the prestigious May Fair Hotel in London on June 2 where the winners will be crowned.

Go to www.familybusinessunited.com for more information on how to vote.