HUNDREDS gathered for an evening of glitz and glamour as Newsquest Cumbria celebrated all the best of the Cumbrian business community.

This year’s in-Cumbria Business Awards were bigger and better than ever before. More winners, and an after-show party until 2am – it was a real celebration of the county’s business community.

Held on Friday, November 29 at Dalston Hall near Carlisle, the event which is run in association with NRL, was a real celebration of winners, sponsors and finalists throughout the evening.

Cumbria Tourism Managing Director Gill Haigh congratulates Dianne and Gerard Richardson on their lifetime achievement win.Cumbria Tourism Managing Director Gill Haigh congratulates Dianne and Gerard Richardson on their lifetime achievement win. (Image: Jonathan Becker) Here are the winners of the 2024 in-Cumbria awards:

ROBIN BURGESS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Sponsored by BAE Systems

  • Dianne and Gerard Richardson

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Rachael Bell Wealth Management

  • Mark Telford, Forth

BEST DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BUSINESS - Sponsored by KBR

  • Carlisle College

APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by David Allen

  • Lisa Ellis, Halfords

BEST LARGE BUSINESS - Sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd

  • Genesis Homes

Newsquest Cumbria Regional Editor Joy Yates is pictured with the Mirror Men Newsquest Cumbria Regional Editor Joy Yates is pictured with the Mirror Men (Image: Jonathan Becker)BEST SME BUSINESS - Sponsored by The Cumberland

  • Cumbria Wildflowers

BEST NEW BUSINESS – Sponsored by Lakes College

  • Basecamp North Lakes

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS - Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

  • CHC Group, Kendal

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANY – Sponsored by NRL

  • Realise HR

BEST GREEN BUSINESS - Sponsored by LOCALiQ

  • Cumberland Flower Farm

It was a night of recognition for many Cumbrian businesses.It was a night of recognition for many Cumbrian businesses. (Image: Jonathan Becker)

BEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - Sponsored by React Engineering

  • Shed One Distillery, Ulverston

FLYING THE FLAG FOR CUMBRIA AWARD - Sponsored by The University of Cumbria

  • OEE Container Technology Ltd

BEST MARKETING PROFESSIONAL/TEAM - Sponsored by 32 West

  • Hannah Lewis, Realise HR

JUDGES SPECIAL AWARD

  • Eden Valley Hospice

Representatives of NRL with the mirror menRepresentatives of NRL with the mirror men (Image: Jonathan Becker)The in-Cumbria business awards are run in association with headline sponsor NRL. Director Rebecca Graves spoke at the start of the evening about the pride the company has in supporting these awards that recognise the best of Cumbria business.

Joy Yates, Newsquest Cumbria regional editor, said: “What a night. It was an honour to recognise and reward so many incredible collaborative and innovative Cumbrian businesses.

There was a casino following the event.There was a casino following the event. (Image: Jonathan Becker)“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists and thank you to our hugely supportive sponsors and everyone who joined in the celebrations.

“Dalston Hall was a beautiful venue and the host Zara Janjua, saxophonist, singers, DJ and casino led to a most entertaining evening.”

The in-Cumbria business awards 2024 sponsors.The in-Cumbria business awards 2024 sponsors. (Image: NQ staff)