SIXTEEN Cumbrian businesses are in the running for prizes at this year's national Family Business of the Year awards.

Taking place on June 7 at The Mayfair in London, the awards are organised by Family Business United.

There will be 16 Cumbrian finalists, including all the winners and some of the runners-up of the Cumbria Family Business Awards.

The Cumbria Family Business Awards organised by The Family Business Network Ltd and Flock PR feed into these national awards, an arrangement put in place by Sue Howorth of The Family Business Network Ltd and Paul Andrews of Family Business United.

Sue said “I have been a supporter and judge for the national awards for the past four years and so when Flock and I launched the Cumbria Family Business Awards in 2017 it seemed appropriate to link up with the national process in order to allow Cumbrian family businesses even more recognition.

"The standard at the national level is phenomenal so should we see any Cumbrian winners, believe me, they will have fought off some serious competition. We had thirteen representatives last year and three winners but it’s all to play for again in 2018. I wish them all the very best of luck!"

The Cumbrian finalists are: herdy; Nanny Brow, Ambleside; Moody Cow, Allonby; Roland Hill, Wigton; Pioneer Food Service, Carlisle; Feather and Springs, Kendal; Downton Travel, Whitehaven; Stalkers Transport, Brampton; Ciel Hotels; Grasmere Gingerbread, Grasmere; Elton Finance, Penrith; Bath House, Sedbergh; Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen; Cedar Manor, Windermere; English Lakes Hotel; Miles Moore Ceramics, Lupton.