NEWSQUEST Cumbria has thanked the judging panel in the prestigious in-Cumbria business awards, after the shortlist was drawn up ahead of a new-look event later this year.

A panel of judges was selected from many key figures across the business community in Cumbria. The panel met at Local-IQ house in Carlisle on Monday, September 2, whittling down the many outstanding nominations in this year's event.

The judges were:

  • Rebecca Graves, NRL;
  • Kelly Ashbridge, The Cumberland;
  • Jayne Moorby, Oxleys;
  • Ben Heslop, Cumbria BIP;
  • Carol O'Donoghue, Cartmell Shepherd;
  • Caroline Barber, 32 West;
  • Graham Lamont, Lamont Pridmore;
  • John Sidney, University of Cumbria;
  • Phil Redfern, React Engineering,
  • Rachael Bell; Rachael Bell Wealth Management
  • Rachel Seal, David Allen.

Rebecca Graves, director at NRL, said: “The in-Cumbria Business Awards serve as a fantastic platform to recognise the extraordinary accomplishments of our incredible and diverse business community.

"I know I speak for the entire judging panel when I say it was an absolute privilege to bear witness to the remarkable achievements, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of the nominees and their respective businesses”

The awards, in association with NRL, are being held at the Dalston Hall Hotel, near Carlisle on Friday, November 29.

This year’s awards, will offer new entertainment for guests, including an after-show party featuring a DJ, sax player and casino following the awards ceremony.

Newsquest Cumbria sales director Emily Wood said: “A huge thank you once again to all of our fantastic judges for coming together and deciding on a final shortlist for this years in-Cumbria business awards.

“We are delighted with the calibre of entries into this year’s awards and look forward to welcoming everyone at what is set to be a great evening of entertainment – celebrating all the best of the Cumbrian business community.”

The three shortlisted businesses and people in each category will be announced on our in-Cumbria website on Wednesday, September 11 with more details about each business in the October edition of the magazine.

Winners will be announced by host and broadcaster Zara Janjua at the awards.