BRITAIN’S Energy Coast (BEC) has picked up a national award for the way it supports and nurtures developments and enterprise in Cumbria. 

The economic development agency was named enterprise support organisation of the year – turnover over £750,000 – at the National Enterprise Network (NEN) awards at a ceremony in London. 

BEC was originally been shortlisted in three different categories – local enterprise agency of the year, future of enterprise support, and enterprise team of the year. 

The enterprise team entry for BEC, working with Copeland Borough Council, Sellafield, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the Centre for Leadership Performance, was based on its involvement in the Albion Square development in Whitehaven. 

BEC signposts to and delivers business support to the energy sector across Copeland and Allerdale. 

It also funds capital projects and is supported by Allerdale, Copeland and Cumbria County Councils and draws funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd. 

BEC’s incoming chief executive, Michael Pemberton, said: “It is a fantastic way to round out the year for BEC. It really celebrates the hard work that has gone in over the last 12 months and gives the team a real boost as we head into 2016 and the redefinition of our strategy.” 

The NEN’s chairman Chris Pichon announced the 2015 award winners at the organisation’s annual conference, held in London on Friday. 

The organisation received high quality entries from their members across the country, which they said was a testament to the excellence and achievements across its network. 

Amanda Hurford, the assistant director of enterprise at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, joined Chris Pichon in judging each entry and choosing the winners. 

Other categories included prizes for client engagement, communication, and coaching and mentoring. 

The National Enterprise Network represents a variety of enterprise support organisations; including enterprise agencies, Chambers of Commerce, local authorities and other specialist providers. KPattison@cngroup.co.uk