Cumbria’s High Sheriff Marcia Reid Fotheringham has met with 13 of the county’s top businesswomen.

The women are among the 29 Cumbrian-based finalists in the prestigious Enterprise Vision Awards 2019, to be held on September 27.

They represent a range of categories within the business world from the retail sector and creative industries from training, health and welfare to hospitality and customer service.

There are also finalists in the solo and small business categories, and this year witnesses the largest number of Cumbrian finalists.

Marcia met the finalists at the Roundthorn Country House Hotel, Penrith where they enjoyed afternoon tea and the chance to network ahead of the ceremony.

She said: “There is no doubt that Cumbria is rich in talent and today’s meeting with these amazing ladies is further proof of that.

“The level of professionalism and sheer energy is outstanding, and it’s been fascinating to hear of their achievements so far and their plans for the future.

“I wish them all the best of luck for the award ceremony!”

Sam Gargett, of Elton Business Support, attended the afternoon tea. She has been nominated in the New Business Category.

She said: “It was a lovely to meet Marcia. She has led such an interesting life and has the most fantastic sense of humour, I could have listened too her all day.

“The fact she took the time out of what must be a very hectic schedule was great and has given Team Cumbria a real boost ahead of the finals.

“It’s a real honour to have made the finals again after winning last year, but for me, as long as we bring home some trophies for Cumbria between us all, that’s all that matters.”

Finalists also include: Solo business: Amanda Ryan, Raindrops Comms, Carlisle; Gwen Backhouse, Curlew Secretarial Solutions, Brampton; Rebecca Watson Brand Designer, Aspatria. Creative business: Jackie Harris, Brightspark Marketing, Sedbergh. Professional business: Lisa Jackson, Acorn Marketing, Penrith. Training and coaching business: Nicola MacPhail, Gen-i, Penrith. Customer services: Jane McLeod, The Rooftop Retreat, Carlisle; Tanya Tinkler, Salon-Rouge, Penrith; Sara Young, CBA Events, Keswick. Health and wellbeing business: Julia Clifford, iCan Health and Fitness CIC, Carlisle. Retail business: Amanda Wilson, The Pie Mill, Keswick.

The awards take place in Blackpool.