THE managing director of WCF has been named chartered director of the year at the North West Director of the Year Awards.

Jo Ritzema was the only Cumbrian success at the awards ceremony in Manchester, run by the Institute of Directors and attended by hundreds of influencers and business luminaries from across the region.

Chris Ward, interim chairman of the Institute of Directors in Cumbria, said: “We champion regional business success, and support those that are making waves in Cumbria, so I am delighted to see Jo’s success marked.

“We congratulate her and each of our exceptional winners for demonstrating strength in leadership to drive their organisations forward.”

WCF based at Crawhall, Brampton, is a former farmers’ co-operative. The produce, fuel and retail group, employs almost 300 people and celebrated its centenary in 2011.

In 2014 it appeared in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250, a list of Britain’s leading private mid-market growth companies.

Mrs Ritzema, 45, of Chapel Burn, near Brampton, joined as finance director in 2004 becoming managing director in June 2013.

She holds a degree in accounting, finance and French from Lancaster University and trained as an auditor with PwC in Newcastle.

She then worked as a finance manager with the pharmaceuticals firm ChiRex and as group financial controller at road haulier Eddie Stobart prior to joining WCF.

Although she was the only Cumbrian winner at the awards, held at the Hilton Hotel, Carlisle accountant Chris Lamont was one of the judges.

Mr Lamont, of Burgh-by-Sands, is a partner in Lamont Pridmore, the chartered accountant and business adviser founded by his father Graham. He is a previous winner in the ‘corporate finance’ category who last year joined the institute’s ‘ambassadors group’ – made up of former winners who showcase the best of company leadership.

In that role he helped judge the awards last year and this.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted to be judging again. Having won previously, I fully appreciate the work that goes into becoming one of the region’s top business minds.”