Finalists in a North West competition celebrating women in business have been praised by South Lakes MP Tim Farron for "putting Cumbria on the map".

Seventeen women have been shortlisted for the Enterprise Vision Awards, up from 11 last year.

They have been shortlisted in the hospitality, financial services, retail business, solo business, small business, creative industry and internet industry categories.

The meeting with Mr Farron was organised by Susan Robinson, one of the finalists and owner of arts and crafts Ambleside B&B, Nanny Brow.

Certainly no stranger to picking up accolades, Susan, who has been nominated in the hospitality category, won five awards in 2017.

Amy Onyango and Claire Mansfield, the creative duo behind Felltarn Friends, won the Creative Industry category at EVA in 2017.

This year, they will be hoping to lift the trophy in the Small Business category.

Mr Farron said: "It was a real pleasure to meet these ladies and hear all about how they have built their businesses.

“We know that we have a fantastic pool of talent in Cumbria. As a county, it’s buzzing with creative individuals and entrepreneurs.

"I applaud the achievements of these businesswomen and will be supporting them all as they continue to shine a light on our very special corner of the UK.”

Finalists are:

  • Susan Robinson, of Nanny Brow, Ambleside
  • Amy Onyango and Claire Mansfield, of Felltarn Friends, Kendal
  • Jules Natlacen, The Churchmouse at Barbon, Barbon
  • Amanda Ryan, Social Elf, Carlisle
  • Angela Black, AB Accountancy Solutions
  • Samantha Gargett, Elton Finance
  • Gina Pennington, Penningtons Tea & Coffee Ltd, Kendal
  • Michelle Partington, Shelly’s Drinks Ltd, Holme
  • Faye Ramsey, Porto Restaurant, Windermere (
  • Yvonne Gainford, Culinary Occasions, Workington
  • Alison Magee-Barker, AJ Lakes Consultancy
  • Alison Tordoff, Fidget Design
  • Rebecca Watson, Rebecca Watson Design & Marketing, Aspatria
  • Nici Hewitson, One Little Bird, Cockermouth
  • Tracy Johnson and Lisa Jackson, The Sugar Shed, Holme