By Chris Story

Last updated at 13:24, Monday, 11 June 2012

Finalists have been unveiled in an awards scheme to honour a town’s business stars.

A puddings firm and printing company are among those in the running for accolades to be presented later this month.

Meanwhile some stalwarts of the business community could also have their dedication and long-service recognised.

Judges say they are impressed by the standard of entries in Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce’s Stars of Business awards.

A spokesman said: “The awards have been designed to showcase businesses and recognise the huge commitment they have shown to the development and economy of the area.

“Finalists were selected based on their application forms, which demonstrated business success, commitment to excellence, customer service, development and training practices, sustainability and innovative marketing.”

The judging panel was made up of people independent of the chamber.

They were David Martin, business manager at Lloyd Motors in Carlisle, Carlisle Racecourse sales manager Karen Brownrigg, Natwest bank business development manager Amanda Callaghan and Janice Jackson, direct marketing manager at Cumbrian Newspapers, publishers of the News & Star.

Finalists in the small business award are Country Puddings, Elite Fitness and Weddings by Annabel.

Large business contenders are Ghyllmount Dental Practice, H&H Reeds Printers and Kiddlywinks.

Angela Murray of Age UK Carlisle and Eden, Jili Allen Creative and Steven Sharkey, of Ellite Fitness, are all runners in the business person on the year section.

Meanwhile, Eden Arts, Arragons Cycles’ Phil Graham and Kelvin Dixon of Seagraves & Dixon are finalists in the outstanding contribution to business accolade.

The winners will be announced at the chamber’s annual dinner on June 22.

First published at 11:27, Monday, 11 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk