Eden businesses and individuals had plenty to celebrate at the Excellence in Cumbria Awards ceremony.

Leading the way with a brace of accolades was W.A. Developments Ltd, based in Appleby, which scooped the Growth Business of the Year Award and the Developing Excellence through People Award in the business categories.

W.A. Developments Ltd was founded by managing director Andrew Tinkler, who set up as a building contractor in 1987.

Today the firm specialises in railway engineering and repairs, and employs some 250 staff. Last year it opened a £500,000 training centre covering everything from trackside safety to use of heavy machinery.

Primasonics Ltd, based in Penrith, was shortlisted for the Exporter of the Year Award. A producer of acoustic cleaners, the firm sells to more than 33 countries worldwide.

Two women from Penrith made the shortlist for the Businesswoman of the Year Award. Jacinta Cooper runs Silverband Falconry in Penrith, specialising in education for primary and secondary schools. The business started with just three birds but now has a total of 30 birds, and Jacinta plans to expand the business further.

Sally Logue of Portraits for Pets in Penrith is an animal portrait artist who takes commissions both locally and through her website, which has attracted orders from as far afield as the USA, Australia and Hong Kong.

Mark Richardson, 18, from Ravenstonedale, was one of four finalists in the county youth achievement award for learning. The son of a farmer, Mark has always had an interest in the agricultural industry and enrolled on an agriculture advanced modern apprenticeship at the University of Central Lancashire campus at Newton Rigg, Penrith.

The Excellence in Cumbria Awards were organised by the Cumbria Learning and Skills Council to recognise and reward people and businesses who have excelled in learning and achievement.

Guest speaker at the event, held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, was Simon Weston, who earned the longest applause of the night as he told in a frank and witty speech how he overcame 46 per cent burns while serving with the Welsh Guards during the Falklands conflict in 1982 to emerge as an inspiration to others through his Weston Spirit charity.

April 9, 2003 09:00