Finalist announced in prestigious business awards celebrating the best of county

Judging has now been completed for the Newsquest in-Cumbria Business Awards 2023, with the many fantastic nominations being whittled down to 33 companies and individuals on the shortlist.

The judging panel for the prestigious awards (Image: Supplied)

The prestigious judging panel consisted of Rachael Bell from Rachael Bell Wealth Management; Carol Fish of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors; Graham Lamont from Lamont Pridmore; Mark Bowman of Inspira; Karen Hadley from the University of Cumbria; Kelly Ashbridge of The Cumberland; Caroline Barber from 32West; Gail Rajjayaburn of David Allen; Jim Walker from Cumbria Tourism and Rebecca Graves, director at NRL.

Guests at the awards will be treated to a night of entertainment, socialising and delicious food and drink, hosted by hypnotist and mind reader Aaron Calvert.

Last year’s winners included Jim Walker, who won the Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria Award in recognition of his long service to the sector in a variety of roles (Image: Newsquest)

Aaron initially trained as a doctor before combining his skills as a mind reader and hypnotist to bring thrilling live shows to audiences all over the country.

He has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is also the star of Channel 4 show Hello Stranger.

The in-Cumbria Business Awards will take place on November 23 at The Halston, Carlisle.

Here are your in-Cumbria Business Award Finalists:

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by David Allen

• Charlotte Maxwell, Project Management, React Engineering
• James Middleton, 1818 Auctioneers
• Deniss Fridenbergs, Plastering apprentice, Carlisle College

Best Marketeer – sponsored by 32 West

• Emma Sherlock, Stan Sherlock Associates
• Oliver Hodgson, Platinum Live
• Mark Metcalf, West Port

Best Family Business – sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

• Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park
• Low Sizergh Barn
• Stanwix Park Holiday Centre

Flying the Flag for Cumbria – sponsored by University of Cumbria

• 1818 Auctioneers
• Cumbria Tourism
• Fine Art Restoration

Businessperson of the Year – sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management

• Kurt Canfield, Delkia
• Mark Telford, Forth
• Phil Redfern, React

Engineering Green/Ethical Business of the Year

• The Natural Plant Food Company
• Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park
• Paragon Vets

Large Business of the Year

• The Cumberland
• University of Cumbria
• Genesis Homes

New Business of the Year – sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd

• The Rebuild Site, CIC
• Fisher Financial Associates
• Laik

Professional Services Business of the Year – sponsored by NRL

• Dynamis Training
• Rachael Bell Wealth Management
• CCL Solutions

Best Community Involvement – sponsored by The Cumberland

• Forth
• Rachael Bell Wealth Management
• Razzamataz Theatre Schools

SME of the Year – sponsored by Inspira

• Delkia
• Explosive Productions Ltd
• Harrison Network Ltd