Family firms led the way in a regional business awards event.

Nine businesses from Cumbria were named as the winners in the North West Family Business Awards - more than from any other county.

The awards, organised by the Family Business Community, took place on May 13 at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.

The awards celebrate family businesses of all sizes and sectors covering Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

A capacity crowd of over 400 gathered on the night to see the winners of the region’s best family businesses revealed, including representatives from over 60 family business finalists, plus judges, sponsors and event organisers Sue Howorth, Dave Clarkson and food writer and presenter, Nigel Barden.

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Cumbrian firms which picked up awards on the evening were:

  • Herdy, Kendal - Environmental Social and Governance award
  • Hackney and Leigh - Business Services
  • Story Decorating Group, Carlisle - Construction and Engineering
  • The Dalesman Country Inn, Sedbergh - Food and Drink Establishments
  • Pennington’s Tea and Coffee, Kendal - Food and Drink Producers
  • The Yan at Broadrayne - Leisure and Tourism
  • Clark Door Limited, Carlisle – Manufacturing
  • Lauren’s Cows, Crackenthorpe – Retailers
  • Cable and Blake, Kendal - People's Choice for Cumbria

Claire Story, who is communications manager for Story Decorating alongside husband and managing director Rob, said it was an emotional experience picking up the manufacturing award.

Story Decorating was founded nearly 50 years ago by Rob’s father, also named Rob.

Claire said: "The judges spoke about us keeping those family values and making the past generations proud.

"Unfortunately, Rob's dad isn't here to see it, but we kept saying all night if he had been with us he would have absolutely loved it.

"We've had messages off staff saying how much they actually do feel like they're part of a family and this award is for each and every one of them.

“It was just an absolutely amazing night and we were in shock for a good hour afterwards.”

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