Cumbria's reigning 'businessperson of the year' is encouraging others to enter the CN Group Business Awards.

Mark Telford, the founder and managing director of Forth Engineering, received the accolade at last year's awards ceremony in October.

The contest is run by CN Group, publisher of The Cumberland News.

Entries for 2016 are open now and Mr Telford has no hesitation in urging businesses to enter even though, he admits, he didn't enter last year himself.

He said: "I was nominated by members of staff here at Forth without me knowing, which made it all the better.

“I was amazed when I learned that I had been shortlisted and rendered speechless upon hearing that I had won on the night.

“The award means the world to me because it was so unexpected.

"As a local businessman, and member of the community, I go about my business trying to make a difference in any and every way possible, without any expectations of recognition, so just to be nominated was enough.

"I don’t think anyone who genuinely contributes to the socio-economic success of Cumbria does what they do for recognition in any shape or form.

"But the realisation of winning has only inspired me to do more wherever possible."

He believes that winning has been beneficial to Forth, which is based in Maryport.

He added: “Being awarded 'businessperson of the year' has certainly raised the profile of Forth and I think that’s important.

"My advice to anyone entering this year is to not hold the success of winning the award in higher regard than the activities and contributions it takes to get you there.”

Other winners last year included Innovia Films, of Wigton, which won 'manufacturer of the year' for the second year running, and the new Lakes Distillery, near Bassenthwaite, which won the 'tourism and hospitality' prize.

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.

Entrants can put their names forward in any number of categories. Previous entrants and winners are welcome to enter again.

Shortlisted finalists receive coverage in CN Group newspapers and websites, and complimentary tickets for the awards dinner at the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel, near Ambleside, on October 20.

Enter online – at www.cnbusinessawards.co.uk – alternatively, send an email to businessawards@cnmedia.co.uk or call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231 for an application form.

The deadline for entries is Monday August 1.