John Watt & Son listed for North West Family Business Awards

The firm surpassed numerous competitors to become a finalist for the prestigious award.

This year, the event is to be held at Bolton Football Stadium on May 10, co-hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Community. Celebrated food and drink specialist Nigel Barden will be a part of the hosting team as well.

Voting, accessible through the North West Family Business Awards or John Watt & Son's website and social media pages, will remain open until midday on May 7.

The finalists will be scrutinized by a chosen panel of regional judges, with the winners being revealed on the event night.

Peter Johnston, director, said: "We are delighted to have been nominated and to receive independent recognition for all the hard work that is put in by ourselves and our wonderful employees."

Carol Johnston, director, said: "Having taken over the business nine years ago we are over the moon to have been nominated. John Watt & Son has been in the heart of Carlisle since 1865 and we continue to strengthen our relationships within the community."

Naomi Johnston, director, said: "I am so proud to be part of our family business and to receive this nomination, it is testament for all the hard work that is put in from everyone who works at John Watt & Son!"

Co-founder and director of North West Family Business Awards, Sue Howorth said: "With another year of increased entries we have been working with our 23 judges which are representing all 5 counties of the North West, and we know they have had extremely difficult decisions to make. Our finalists should be extremely proud of themselves for being recognised in this years shortlist."

Co-director, Dave Clarkson said: "A huge thank you to everyone who has invested time filling in their application forms. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity and attention to detail in the applications."

Sue Baguley from Siemens UK, said: "The number and quality of applications from across the North West region has been outstanding, the businesses are clearly proud to be family businesses and the detail in many of the entries has demonstrated that they are very progressive and innovative."

Fellow judge, Tom Mathew, group commercial director of Dunsters Farm, said: "As always, it was fantastic to hear the stories of the resilient and ambitious businesspeople working in family-run businesses across the region. The judging day is an opportunity for me to contribute to the vibrant family business community but also to go away inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by the applicants."