A GOVERNMENT minister has thrown her support behind the in-cumbria Business Awards for 2017.

Launched last week and backed by the BBC's Media Editor, Amol Rajan, they will celebrate the very best from the world of business in the county.

Margot James, the Minister for Small Business, has heaped praise on the initiative.

She said: “Awards such as this help to champion and showcase the work of talented and thriving business communities.

“When I visited Copeland recently I visited a number of thriving small businesses with Trudy Harrison and saw for myself just what Cumbria has to offer.

“This government is all about supporting small business, which is why awards such as this are so important to celebrate their achievements.

"In 2016 there were 85,000 more small businesses in the North West compared to 2010 – providing more people with the safety and security of a pay packet.

The minister, who last year addressed finalists at the CN Group Business Awards, added: “Our modern industrial strategy is central to our plan for Britain which will encourage and support the key sectors of our economy, providing more opportunities for young people to find high-quality, high-skilled work, and spreading jobs, prosperity and opportunity around the whole country.”

There are 16 categories open to businesses and individuals in this year's awards.

The shortlisted finalists will be treated to a fantastic evening of celebration and fine Cumbrian food and drink at the exclusive Halston Hotel, Carlisle, on November 9.

Businesses from all areas and all sectors are invited to enter with previous winners including the Lakes Free Range Egg Co, Stainton; Cumbria Travel, Whitehaven and the Daffodil Hotel and Spa, Grasmere.

A distinguished panel of judges from the world of Cumbrian business will assess the entries.

Of the 2017 awards , Mr Rajan said: "These are a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Cumbria to see their successes recognised and awarded by their peers.

"There are awards for every size and type of business, every sector is going to be represented and there are also fantastic sponsorship opportunities for businesses who want to raise their profile in the local area and beyond."

A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are on offer, , including those for individual awards. Sponsors will have the chance to present an award in one of the categories, as well as entertaining colleagues and clients at the award ceremony.