We are delighted to announce the shortlisted businesses in our fifth in-Cumbria Business Awards 2021, sponsored by United Utilities.

We had an AMAZING number of entries this year and it took far longer than expected to read through every submission than we expected. Some were incredibly detailed and we realised that businesses across Cumbria take our awards just as seriously as we do. Thank you.

In-Cumbria Associate editor Sue Riley said: “Thanks to everyone who entered our awards this year, we really were overwhelmed, not just by the number of businesses but also the quality of the entries. It was a joy to read some of the stories, successes and challenges overcome. It was a very hard job to draw up the shortlist, but it’s heartening that there is so much talent in our business community.”

The awards will be held on Thursday, November 25 at The Halston, Carlisle, with a drinks reception sponsored by FW Capital. The awards will be presented by BBC Countryfile’s Helen Skelton, Born in Carlisle, Helen is no stranger to the county and its thriving businesses.

This year there are twelve categories in our awards - from the prestigious Lifetime Contribution and Businessperson of the Year to the Trainee of the Year.

The shortlisted finalists are:

The Robin Burgess Lifetime Contribution to Business in Cumbria, sponsored by BAE Systems

This prestigious award will go to someone who has had a significant and positive impact on the Cumbrian business community over a period of years. The winner will be announced at the awards in November.

Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by United Utilities

Sarah Purdham, Prima Uno

Collette Butterworth, Plastic Bottle Co

Dianne Irving, Drouth Ltd

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, sponsored by David Allen

Adam Hindhaugh - AW Jenkinson Transport

Amee Flynn - TSP Engineering

Joshua Britton - Integrity IT Solutions

Best Large Business, sponsored by TSP Engineering

Bellcare

The Cumberland

Harrison & Hetherington

Best SME Business, sponsored by Lancaster University Management School

Chimney Sheep

S Brannan and Sons

Cote How Lake District Weddings

Best New Business, sponsored by Carr’s Engineering

Platinum Live

Coniston Stonecraft

The Chopping block

Best Family Business, sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

Cote How Lake District Weddings

Freedom Chocolate

Lake District Hotels

Best Professional Services Company

Burnetts

Prima Uno

Jill Glencross Funeral Directors

Flying the Flag for Cumbria, sponsored by University of Cumbria

S Brannon and Sons Ltd

English Lakes Ice Cream

TSP Engineering

Best Green / Ethical Business , sponsored by South Lakeland District Council

H&H Reeds

Eva’s Organics

The Quiet Site

Best Marketeer

Tracey Errington

Rosina Merrett

Oliver Hodgson

Best Community Involvement, sponsored by The Cumberland

Carlisle College

Sedbergh School

Gerard Richardson