Winner: Forth Engineering

Sponsored by: The Cumberland

So many businesses in Cumbria go out of their way to support the local community.
This means it is always particularly hard to choose one to pick up the award for Best Community Involvement.
However, this year, it is their long-term commitment to helping local people and community causes which make Forth Engineering the deserving winner.
Forth has been based in Cumbria for more than 22 years - with bases in Flimby, Cleator Moor and Barrow-in-Furness - and is passionate about helping others.
The company has a long history of giving back and, in recent months, has donated more than 1,000 hours of practical expertise and regular financial support to a range of community projects, as well as providing almost 600 hours of work experience.
One flagship community project saw Forth play a leading role in relighting the popular and iconic Wave landmark in Whitehaven, culminating in a lighting ceremony on the King’s coronation weekend in May 2023.
Forth provided 400 metres of remotely-controlled, high intensity LED lights and it also used the latest 3D printing technology to make 800 translucent brackets to allow maximum light through the silicon rubber casing while also being resilient to all weather conditions.
A lighting up ceremony was held on the evening of Friday, May 5, to kickstart the Bank Holiday weekend.
This is just one example of many, many initiatives which it supports and takes in all year round.
Mark Telford, managing director of Forth, said doing the best for the local community is a personal goal for him, including working with Skills 4 You, based in Cleator Moor, a pilot project focused on reducing unemployment in West Cumbria.
“It’s very close to my heart,” he says.
“The company means everything to me, it’s been part of my life for the last 25 years. I started in my back bedroom with a van and here we are now with 60 employees.
“The community is everything to the company and myself and whatever we can do the better.”

Runners up:

Rachael Bell Wealth Management  

Razzamataz Theatre Schools