Our annual in-Cumbria awards ceremony is just a couple of weeks away and it’s time to say a huge thank you to our judging panel.
Each judge was allocated a category from which they first made a shortlist of three individuals or firms and then chose an overall winner. Again, it was a tough year to choose between so many hardworking and talented individuals and companies but as always, our judges went the extra mile – interviewing the shortlisted nominees, visiting workplaces and undertaking research.
Andy Traynor, of FW Capital, who decided which business should win the SME of the Year visited all three shortlisted companies. He says: “I found it very difficult to compare them with each other as they are so diverse in what they do and the markets they operate. All three were deserving of an award.”
Other judges reflected on their own start in business. David Allen says: “I was particularly pleased to be judging the category for Apprentice/Trainee of the year as I remember starting my own four-year engineering apprenticeship at the age of 16 and I know how this practical training made an impression and was a big part of my development. There was a very strong list of applicants and it was challenging shortlisting these to three. I enjoyed visiting each of these at their workplace and finding out more about them. All three would have been very worthy winners and it was not easy to filter all of the information about each one. I was impressed with the achievements of the candidates and how they had overcome challenges in their own careers. Supporting others, promoting their training routes to other organisations and presenting to schools as well as fundraising for charity all featured strongly.”
Carol Fish, Director, Cartmell Shepherd, also interviewed the finalists in her category, Best New Business. She says: "As a judge, it was an enlightening and inspirational experience to interview the finalists and to gain insight into their businesses including the many challenges they have faced and their journey to success. Seeing their enthusiasm, drive and passion was humbling and uplifting. I'm delighted they have the opportunity through
the in-Cumbria Business Awards to showcase their achievements to the Cumbrian business world and to celebrate their hard-won success.'
Pam Brown, Client Experience Director, Rachael Bell Wealth Management, added: “The applications for Business Person of the Year were fantastic and it was a real challenge to narrow them down. The quality was amazing and everyone had made so much effort. We did finally decide on our finalists and they were all very inspirational. We interviewed all three and whilst the facts and figures were important, we concentrated on listening to the story of each individual. The passion and drive of our local entrepreneurs brought to life the amazing talent and people that we have in Cumbria and we felt honoured to have been a part of the judging process.”
Regular judge Graham Lamont said it had been an exceptional year. “The standard of entries in the Family Business of the Year category has been exceptional this year. It was a very strong category, full of wonderful Family Businesses doing fantastic things throughout Cumbria. There were entries from family businesses across a huge range of sectors, covering first to fourth generation families. What they all had in common was the high level of quality and service they offer their customers, a commitment to their staff and support for their local communities. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about them and deciding the shortlist of just three businesses was very challenging,” he says.
Nicky Gordon, Managing Director of Genesis Homes was particularly pleased to judge the Green/Ethical business category as it echoes his own views about reducing his firm's impact on the planet. "It was particularly pleasing to see through the judging process the major steps companies across Cumbria are undertaking to reduce their carbon footprint. Some of the innovative measures local businesses have adopted to become more eco-friendly is inspiring, and we could have had at least double the amount of finalists in this category such is the wonderful work being carried out across the county."
--Frank Stretton, Director, 32West, added: ”Marketing businesses and experts in Cumbria are often overlooked - something I have never been able to understand.
Being a judge in this process has proven beyond any doubt - not that it existed in my mind - that we have a county brimming with talent."
The winners of the 12 categories, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award which was decided on by the in-Cumbria team, will be unveiled at the awards ceremony at the Halston on November 24. Hosted by award-winning comic Cally Beaton with United Utilities as the headline sponsor, it's sure to be a night to remember.
in-Cumbria Associate Editor Sue Riley thanked all the judged for their dedication and diligence. “Our judges always go the extra mile and its down to their hard work and diligence that makes the awards such a prestigious one to win. They all work independently so if an organisation or person enters more than one category there’s always the chance they might win a series of awards on the night. The winners are completely the judges’ decision – a big responsibility. A huge thank you to them and also to our sponsors for making the awards possible – everyone at the in-Cumbria team appreciates your input and we can’t wait to present the awards to such worthy winners.”
OUR JUDGES
Business Person of The Year judged by Rachael Bell Wealth Management
Apprentice of the Year judged by David Allen
Best Large Business judged by Joanne Holborn
Best SME of the Year judged by Andy Traynor of FW Capital
Best New Business of The Year judged by Carol Fish of Cartmell Shepherd
Family Business of The Year judged by Graham Lamont
Best Professional Services judged by Ian McCoy of United Utilities
Best Community Involvement judged by Beth Kirkby of BAE Systems
Flying The Flag For Cumbria judged by Kelly Ashbridge of The Cumberland
Best Green/ Ethical Business judged by Nicky from Genesis Homes
Best Marketeer judged by Frank Stretton, of 32 West
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