THE very best of business in Cumbria is set to be celebrated at an awards ceremony brought to you by the team behind the county's top business magazine.

Entries have opened for the 2017 in-Cumbria Business Awards which will be presented by the BBC’s media editor - and former Independent editor - Amol Rajan.

There are 15 categories open to businesses and individuals . The shortlisted finalists will be treated to a fantastic evening of celebration and fine Cumbrian food and drink at the exclusive Halston Hotel, Carlisle, on November 9.

Mr Rajan said: “I am hugely excited about hosting this year’s in-Cumbria Business Awards.

“These are a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Cumbria to see their successes recognised and awarded by their peers. There are awards for every size and type of business, every sector is going to be represented and there are also fantastic sponsorship opportunities for businesses who want to raise their profile in the local area and beyond.

“I really recommend that you get involved and I am looking forward to seeing you on Thursday 9th November.”

CN Group group development director Jonathan Lee said: “Helping Cumbria businesses to do more business is a key part of our role at the heart of the county’s business community.

“We love celebrating the amazing success of our Cumbria businesses. From one-person operations and small companies to big employers with hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of employees, we enjoy spreading the word about the best of the area’s businesses.

“Across a range of sectors, across all parts of our county, we have brilliant business people achieving wonderful outcomes day in day out.

“At CN Group through our business brand in-Cumbria and its sister digital platforms, including its website, social media, and highly popular daily e-newsletters, through events and awards, through magazines and newspapers, and through radio, we utilise all multi-media channels to amplify that message across the north of England and south-west Scotland.

“Further afield - through partnerships like Choose Cumbria and taking events on the road - we make sure that message is also heard loud and clear in the rest of the UK and beyond, ensuring investors and those who make key economic decisions are aware of the huge potential and opportunity the county has to offer.”

Mr Lee added: “Cumbria regularly punches above its weight and that’s down to the vision, commitment and expertise of our businesses and our business people.

“In an increasingly fast-paced business environment the in-Cumbria business awards are an opportunity to draw breath, take stock, and for one memorable evening make sure we take time out together to congratulate each other and celebrate the positive impact our best business people and our best businesses are having on our communities and our economy.

“It’s a great chance for businesses to enjoy toasting their success together, whether as entrants or sponsors, and also to network with the best businesses in Cumbria all together in one place.

Businesses from all areas and all sectors are invited to enter with previous winners including Carlisle United FC, adventure company Treetop Trek in Windermere, project management services provider Prima Uno in Cleator Moor and financial services firm Armstrong Watson.

A distinguished panel of judges from the world of Cumbrian business will assess the entries.

A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are on offer, including those for individual awards. Sponsors will have the chance to present an award in one of the categories, as well as entertaining colleagues and clients at the award ceremony.

Mr Lee said: “Sponsoring the in-Cumbria business awards is the perfect way to introduce yourself to some of the key players in our vibrant and varied business community.”

Sponsorship packages will also include the chance to entertain guests at a VIP champagne reception attended by awards host Amol Rajan.

For full details of the categories and how to enter, CLICK HERE.