By Matthew Legg

Last updated at 14:27, Monday, 15 November 2010

The biggest names in the west Cumbrian business world were honoured at the first Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster awards.

More than 200 business chiefs attended the event at Energus, the nuclear industry training centre at Lillyhall, near Workington.

Winners included engineering services firm Balfour Beatty, Kier Construction, metal recycling company Studsvik UK, Workington training firm TIS Cumbria and Westlakes Engineering, of Whitehaven.

Entrepreneur, music producer and steam engine enthusiast Pete Waterman was the special guest.

He gave a passionate speech on the importance of apprenticeships to the future of the British economy.

Mr Waterman also interviewed a panel of Cumbrian business luminaries including Stobart chiefs Andrew Tinkler and William Stobart and Dick Raaz, managing director of the Low Level Waste Repository at Drigg.

The cluster was formed in 2003 to address the impact of nuclear decommissioning on the west Cumbrian economy.

Chairman Jonathan Marshall of Burnetts Solicitors: “The 2010 awards proved yet again that the cluster is about action and moving forward.

“I would like to thank all of the many businesses who sent in applications.

“Selecting the winners was a very difficult task for our independent panel of judges, with such a strong field.

“I hope those firms that did not win this time put in a submission next year.

“A huge thank you should also go to the awards sponsors and event manager Energus.”

The winners:

Excellence in Health and Safety Balfour Beatty Engineering Services

Excellence in Quality Kier Construction Ltd

Sustainability Award Studsvik UK Ltd

Business Innovation Bardon Aggregates Ltd

People and Skills Development TIS Cumbria Ltd

Small Business of the Year Westlakes Engineering Ltd

Supply Chain Partnership Kier Construction Ltd

Community Engagement Bardon Aggregates Ltd

First published at 11:38, Monday, 15 November 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk