A Kendal-based company has become a finalist in this year’s National Federation of Small Businesses and Worldpay UK Business Awards.

Kendal Nutricare will compete with three other exporting SME businesses for the national ‘export’ title and £2,000 cash prize.

The business was shortlisted by judges for the title after winning the North West regional award for Export.

Ross McMahon, the firm's chief executive, said: “We had been waiting to hear whether we would be selected one of the four best exporting SMEs from amongst those who became winners in the 11 regions.”

He added: “We are delighted to discover we are amongst this chosen group and we will wait and see if we can go one better and scoop the national title.”

“This success is down to the hard work of all employees in our factory in Kendal. As our export orders are won on the basis of us having high quality, unique and British-made products sourced from the beautiful Lake District.”

If the business wins it could be shortlisted to win a further £10,000 if chosen as this year’s star performer in the small business sector.

The company uses a ‘Kendamil Infant Forumla’ that stands alone in using full-cream milk nutrients in it’s recipe rather than skimmed.

Its ‘Kendamil Haldal’ product has been manufactured for customers in the Middle East and has been sold in over 18,000 mother and baby stores in China.

It has also proven popular in North America.

The success of the product was assisted by the Orient International Shanghai Foreign Trade Co.