Finalists for the 2019 Cumbria Family Business Awards have been revealed.

The judging panel debated over six hours before selecting the finalists.

Head judge Graham Lamont, of Lamont Pridmore, said: “Following a record number of applications, there were some extremely difficult decisions to make and the quality of Cumbrian family businesses really shone through.

"We feel our selection represents the diversity and accomplishments of family businesses in the region.

"All of the finalists should feel extremely proud as they have beaten off some stiff competition to win their place."

Finalists

Food and drink establishments

  • The Shabby Scholar, Carlisle
  • Lamplighter Dining Rooms, Windermere
  • The Crafty Baa, Windermere

Agriculture, forestry and farming

  • Cosy Logs, Kendal
  • Eva’s Organics, Roweltown, Carlisle
  • Robustrack, Ingleton
  • Nibthwaite Grange Farm, Ulverston

Creative business

  • Lakeland Gardens, Windermere
  • Sweet Hearts Cumbria
  • Cable & Blake, Kendal

Food and drink producers

  • Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
  • The Apple Pie, Ambleside
  • Lovingly Artisan, Kendal

Retailers and wholesalers

  • Peter Tyson, Carlisle
  • Thomas Graham & Sons, Carlisle
  • K&S McKenzie, Carlisle

Manufacturing and construction

  • Decking Designs
  • Duckett Building Services, Burton in Kendal
  • West Coast Composting, Whitehaven

Transport, haulage and logistics

  • Blackwood Service Station, Mealsgate, Wigton
  • Reays Coaches, Wigton
  • Brampton Skip Hire
  • Spencer Graham Coaches, Aspatria

Small hotels, leisure and tourism

  • Rusland Pool, Ulverston
  • The Sally, Irthington
  • Yew Tree Barn, Low Newton

Large hotels, leisure and tourism

  • The Ryecorn
  • Eden Golf Course & The Garden at Eden
  • Plato’s, Kirkby Lonsdale

People and community services

  • Amy’s Care, Ireby
  • P&C Residential, Workington
  • Hardy’s Soft Play, Sedbergh
  • St Bees Little Learners, St Bees

Professional and business services

  • Simpson & Parsons, Windermere
  • West Lakes Recruitment, Cockermouth
  • Ashdown Jones, Windermere
  • CBA Events, Keswick

The judges also named three young businesses as ones to watch and awarded them with Going Places awards which they will collect on the night.

They are Cut The Wrap in Ulverston, Scalesceugh Hall, near Carlisle and Shed 1 Gin, Ulverston.

In addition 10 employees have been selected as finalists for the Employee of The Year category.

They were chosen by judges from Carlisle-based NXT Recruitment, Simon Glencross, Jason Hodgson and Emma Lindsay, who scrutinised the record number of applications.

Simon said: “There were many extremely strong applications, it was clear to us just how much time and effort had been put into them.

"The finalists we have chosen each had individual strengths but a common thread was just show much their employers valued and thought of them. It will be tremendous to get to know them better when we meet later this month.”

Finalists are Tim Henshaw, The Crafty Baa, Windermere; Allan Crosbie, The Shabby Scholar, Carlisle; Brandon McKenzie, K&S McKenzie, Carlisle; Jonathan Robb, Hawkshead Relish, Hawkshead; Luke Thompson, Simpson & Parsons, Windermere; Heather Bendle, Thomas Graham, Carlisle; James Irvin, G Wannop & Son, Carlisle; Alex Casson, Plato's, Kirkby Lonsdale; Mandy Wilson, Yew Tree Barn, Low Newton and Helen Maud Wilson, P&C Residential, Workington.

The finalists will attend a lunch when Employee of the Year judges will decide on their final scores which will be added to scores collated following the public vote which opens early February. The winners will be named at the same ceremony.

The other members of the main judging panel are Grahame Latus, of Enterprise Answers; Anthony Smith, of Progression Solicitors; Jacqui Jackson, of Thomas Jardine & Co; Ben Berry, of English Lakes Hotels; Rachel Halliday, of Stephenson Halliday and Zoe Dawes, The Quirky Traveller.