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Sue Riley

Associate Editor

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Explosive Productions won SME of the Year

In-Cumbria Business Awards winner - SME of the Year

Winner: Explosive Productions Sponsored by Inspira   Explosive Productions is a small business which has a big and spectacular impact across the country. The company, which began operating in 2004, provides entertainment shows all over the UK. It initially had its headquarters at Redhills, Penrith, but relocated to Kingmoor Park, Carlisle, as it grew in the intervening years. It currently employs five people and utilises a large team of self-employed performers for its shows. The man behind the business is managing director Sid Sims, who started his career as a vocalist at Butlins before progressing to writing and producing shows. He moved to Cumbria in 1997 to take on the role of head of entertainment at what is now known as Center Parcs at Whinfell Forest. He saw a great opportunity to develop his own business to provide top class entertainment and event solutions, going from holiday parks and hotel chains to cruise ships touring the Caribbean and hotel groups in Cape Verde. Its premises at Kingmoor Park include a rehearsal studio, fully technical vocal studio, a bespoke wardrobe department, technical workshop and administration offices. One of the company’s best known events is 80s Live, a two-hour live extravaganza with synthesizers, catchy lyrics, and unique melodies, in which the cast of the show take the audience on a journey back in time, performing smash hits from some of the world’s top musicians. Sid said: “A lot of the work that we do is outside of Cumbria but we’ve been here for 25 years and it’s nice to be recognised locally. “We went through a very tough time during Covid but we’ve got over 130 dates booked next year already, so we’re growing. The fact that we’ve come back and we’re even in these awards is incredible. To win it is amazing.” Mark Bowman, chief executive of category sponsor Inspira, said: “By sponsoring the Best SME of the Year Category, we recognise the vital role that SME businesses play in creating job opportunities and driving enterprise and innovation in Cumbria. “We are proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurship of the county’s SMEs, along with the vital contribution they make to Cumbria as a thriving business hub.”