THE Westmorland Gazette has launched its 2010 Business & Tourism Awards, one of the premier events in the Cumbria and North Lancashire business calendar.

The prestigious awards aim to highlight and recognise the huge number of fantastic businesses which operate in our area.

These range from small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, through medium-size manufacturing and distribution firms to large-scale international companies operating both in Britain and overseas.

The awards — run in conjunction with the Northwest Regional Development Agency – are open to companies of all sizes and across all sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and other service industries.

We are looking for businesses or individuals who, through their endeavours, make a vital contribution to the local economy.

There are 11 categories, covering every facet of business achievement and enterprise.

At the top of the list is the highest accolade – the Business of the Year award.

A distinguished panel of judges will have the difficult task of shortlisting finalists in each category.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony to be held at The Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on Friday, September 17, hosted by North West Tonight presenter Dianne Oxberry.

The awards were welcomed this week by chief executive of the North West Development Agency Steven Broomhead, who said: “Businesses in Cumbria make a vital contribution to the region's economic growth and play a crucial role in helping to build a dynamic, sustainable international economy for England's North West.

“The region is home to a wealth of talented entrepreneurs.

“Awards such as this are a valuable recognition of individuals who are demonstrating real commitment to excellence and achieving fantastic results.”

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has also given the awards strong backing.

County development manager Derek Armstrong said: “It’s great to see The Westmorland Gazette putting on this event to celebrate and reward the success of local enterprise.

“Successful businesses are absolutely fundamental to our economy and we have a fantastic variety in South Lakeland.

“Awards are a great way of getting publicity for your business, and can be a useful endorsement in winning new contracts and customers so we’d encourage businesses to apply.”

Dianne Oxberry has also compered the highly successful awards of our sister newspaper the Lancashire Telegraph for a number of years.

She said: “I’m always surprised at the massive amount of innovation that is revealed at these business awards.

“I’m looking forward to hearing incredible success stories from Cumbria’s businesses.

“It’s only right that they blow their own trumpets and giving them that opportunity is really important for the South Lakes.”

The Westmorland Gazette Business and Tourism Awards could make a huge difference to your enterprise – raising its profile across the region and opening doors to even more business success.

It costs nothing to put your business forward but you must get your entries in by the closing date, Monday, July 12.