Prestigious in-Cumbria 2024 business awards launched

Newsquest's prestigious in-Cumbria Business Awards have been launched and this year a new category is being introduced along with a few other changes to keep the event as one of the most coveted evenings in the county’s business calendar.

The awards, in association with NRL, are being held at the Dalston Hall Hotel, near Carlisle on Friday, November 29.

This year, a Best Green Business award has been introduced along with a new Diversity and Inclusion Award to celebrate companies which foster an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

In-Cumbria associate editor, Sue Riley, said: “There are lots of exciting changes to this year’s awards which we will reveal over the following months, including the name of the host and a special treat for all attendees. The event is always a great night because it celebrates you and your achievements – so don’t be shy, put in your nominations now. This year we have 12 categories and also the prestigious Robin Burgess Lifetime Achievement Award which is announced on the night.

“As always, a huge thanks to all the sponsors including our headline sponsor NRL. Your support and enthusiasm for the county and its business community is really valued.”

THE AWARDS

ROBIN BURGESS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Sponsored by BAE Systems

BEST DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BUSINESS  

We are looking for a business which can demonstrate a commitment towards diversity and inclusion, reflected in the company's values. So, who has impressed you with their strategies and policies, but also with their passion for fairness and determination to deliver equality everywhere? The business should foster an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

This award is for a businessperson who has made an outstanding contribution to their company in the last year. You can put yourself forward or be nominated by another person. The judges will be looking for someone who has:

·         Demonstrated exceptional commitment

·         Shown inspirational leadership and vision

·         Had a significant impact on improving the performance of the business

APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR  - Sponsored by David Allen

This award will go to the apprentice or trainee who in the view of both the employer and the judges has demonstrated:

·         Real dedication to the apprentice or trainee programme

·         An enthusiastic attitude toward learning

·         A clear application of knowledge and skills learned

Members of the Cumbrian business community at the 2023 celebration. (Image: NQ staff)

BEST LARGE BUSINESS

This award will recognise a business with 51 employees or more that can demonstrate:

·         Strong leadership and vision

·         Sustained growth and sound financial performance

·         Innovation and differentiation within the business

BEST SME BUSINESS  - Sponsored by The Cumberland

This award will recognise a business with one to 50 employees that can demonstrate:

·         Strong leadership and vision

·         Good sales growth and sound financial performance

·         A robust plan for sustained growth

BEST NEW BUSINESS

The award is open to a successful company that has been in operation for less than three years. The judges will be interested to know:

·         The motivations for starting the business

·         How it has developed and what has been achieved so far

·         The vision for the future and how aims to accomplish it

Last years Family Business winners Park Cliffe (Image: NQ staff)

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS  - Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

The judges will be looking for a family-owned or family-managed business which has at least two members of a family involved in running it, and which can clearly demonstrate how it has achieved success. Entries must demonstrate:

·         How the family business ethos runs through the company

·         What success has been enjoyed – such as financial performance, order book, jobs, sustainability, longevity, positive impact on community and local economy – and how has it been achieved

·         How the values of a family business have underpinned that success

·         How the family business is building for the future

The awards are a great celebration of the Cumbrian business community. (Image: NQ staff)

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANY – Sponsored by NRL

This award will recognise a business that can demonstrate an outstanding level of professional service delivery. The winner will be able to demonstrate:

·         Strong professional credentials, including high professional accreditation levels of senior managers

·         Successful promotion of brand identity and its impact on the company’s success

·         Professionalism in service-delivery

BEST GREEN BUSINESS

Judges are looking for businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing their environmental impact across all operations. Key considerations include efforts to reduce its carbon emissions and investments in renewable energy. Additionally, the company should prioritise sustainability and innovation, actively seeking ways to minimise its environmental footprint while fostering positive environmental change.

Last years guests were treated to hypnosis and mind reading by the host. (Image: NQ staff)

BEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT  - Sponsored by React Engineering

This award will go to a business that can show its proactive commitment to putting something back into their local community. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the proportionate investment by the business in terms of time and effort, as opposed to pure cash contributions. Examples of activity could be:

·         Providing financial support to community projects

·         Giving practical assistance in terms of time or expertise

·         Allowing charities, schools or community organisations to benefit from the resources of the business

FLYING THE FLAG FOR CUMBRIA AWARD  - Sponsored by The University of Cumbria

This award is open to Cumbrian-headquartered businesses that are well and truly putting the county on the map with the products and services they offer. The winner will be able to demonstrate: 

• How they have developed new or grown existing markets across the UK and/ or overseas 

• How this has translated into sales 

• Plans for further growth backed by evidence it can be sustained  

Guests from Genesis Homes at the 2023 awards (Image: NQ staff)

BEST MARKETEER   

The expert judge will be on the hunt for an unsung hero who has achieved exceptional results in raising brand awareness for their organisation and in the last 12 months has:  

• Shown how their understanding of marketing has helped identify a clear market opportunity to launch a new product or develop an existing one 

• Documented a creative marketing strategy to realise the market opportunity 

• Implemented an action plan to deliver the strategy with positive measurable results  

Businesses and individuals wishing to nominate themselves or someone else have until June 30 to get their entries in. To enter go to www.in-cumbria.com or scan the QR code on this page.

Alternatively, you can email your entry direct to carrie.buchanan@localiq.co.uk

To nominate you can use this code. (Image: NQ staff)