The climax is a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel, near Ambleside, on October 20 when the Minister for Small Business, Anna Soubry, will be the guest speaker.
But the benefits to the winners in terms of publicity, prestige and the boost to staff morale last long after the Champagne bubbles have gone flat.
Julian Whittle group business editor for CN Group, publisher of the News & Star, said: “There is always a sense of anticipation and excitement at the launch of the CN Group Business Awards.
“Every year they unearth hidden gems. Businesses that have slipped under the radar yet are performing heroics, shining examples to their peers. I fully expect more of the same in 2016.”
Anna Soubry He continued: “The awards serve another useful purpose – they underline how diverse and innovative Cumbria is. Many outsiders think of Cumbrian business as tourism, sheep and Sellafield.
“They would be amazed to discover that the Bank of England’s new polymer £5 and £10 bank notes begin life in Wigton, that the pitch for the 2018 World Cup Final in Moscow will be supplied by a firm in Maryport, or that our nuclear deterrent is carried on submarines built in Barrow.”
The awards are free to enter and are open to any business trading in Cumbria. There are 15 categories to suit enterprises of all types and sizes.
Previous entrants and winners are welcome to enter again. The judges may also make a ‘lifetime contribution to Cumbria’ award.
All shortlisted entries receive coverage in CN Group newspapers and websites, which include The Whitehaven News, Times & Star and the monthly business magazine in-Cumbria.
All the shortlisted finalists get two complimentary tickets for the awards dinner.
Businesses can enter at . Alternatively call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231 for an application form. The deadline for entries is Monday August 1.
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