We knew it would be a good night but this year’s in-Cumbria Business Awards exceeded all expectations.

Commercial Director at LOCALiQ Lee Taylor-Craddock set the tone when he opened last night’s event saying: “The challenges businesses are facing may have changed since the pandemic, but they are no less daunting; whether it’s trying to find a skilled workforce, soaring energy costs or dealing with the effect of rising interest rates. If you run a business these days you really need to have an appetite for hard work, adaptability, smart footwork and quick thinking.”

All the shortlisted businesses showed those skills. McMenon Engineering was the big winner on the night with CEO Anand Puthran winning the prestigious Business Person of the Year Award and also Best Large Business. Grasmere Gingerbread was also another big winner, picking up two awards.

Comedian and presenter Cally Beaton was the entertaining host for the evening held at the Halston in Carlisle. After a drinks reception sponsored by FW Capital, Cally told the 200-strong audience: “I am really delighted to be here tonight to help recognise and celebrate the best of Cumbria – the people and the businesses that make it the innovative and successful county that it is.  From our one-man- - and indeed woman- bands to large enterprises and family run and long-established firms, this is a dynamic region that has a huge amount to offer, and tonight we will celebrate it all.”

The headline sponsor for the awards was United Utilities with other key Cumbrian organisations sponsoring separate categories. One of the most popular wins of the night was the Robin Burgess Contribution to Cumbria Award sponsored by BAE Systems. This year’s winner was Jim Walker who won for his long and distinguished contribution to Cumbria tourism over the decades. After a standing ovation, he told the audience: “Thank you. It was a big surprise, there’s so many people here who have achieved so much. It’s a real honour.”

In-Cumbria Associate Editor Sue Riley said: “Another wonderful occasion celebrating the best and most innovative businesses in the county. As always the event can’t go ahead without the sponsors, judges, Newsquest event organisers, the team at the Halston and all the organisations who took the time to enter this year’s awards. A big thank you.

“Huge congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. We hope you display your trophies with pride – they were all made in the county by Brendan Donnelly’s team at Coniston Stonecraft with sister company Lake District Trophies and engraving by WL Jones of Ulverston – so we kept true to our ethos at in-Cumbria by supporting our wonderful businesses at every opportunity. We look forward to working with all of you in 2023.”

THE WINNERS

Robin Burgess Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria sponsored by BAE Systems - Jim Walker for his contribution to tourism over more than four decades.

Business Person of The Year sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management - Anand Puthran, McMenon Engineering Services

Apprentice of The Year sponsored by David Allan - Holly Moxon, Cartmell Shepherd

Best Large Business of The Year sponsored by TSP Engineering - McMenon Engineering Services

Best New Business of The Year sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd - Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Best SME of The Year sponsored by Inspira - Grasmere Gingerbread

Family Business of The Year sponsored by Lamont Pridmore - K&S McKenzie

Best Community Involvement sponsored by The Cumberland - Morgan Sindall

Flying The Flag For Cumbria sponsored by the University of Cumbria - Grasmere Gingerbread

Best Professional Services award sponsored by United Utilities - won by robinson+co

Best Marketeer sponsored by 32 West - Phil Ward, The Cumberland

Best Green/Ethical Business sponsored by Genesis Homes - Long Valley Yurts