THREE Cumbrian firms have been branded as the best in the north west at a prestigious awards ceremony.

They have all taken prizes at the Federation of Small Businesses and Worldpay UK Business Awards 2017.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, near Ambleside, has been announced as north west ethical business of the year; Grasmere Gingerbread has scooped the award for family business of the year and Kendal Nutricare has been recognised as north west exporter of the year.

Paul Foster, FSB development manager said: “These businesses are fine examples of some of the great work which is going on across Cumbria and they now go on to represent the county at the national finals.

"They combine excellence in business with key roles to help their communities through extra activities which have clearly been recognised by the independent judging panel. Competition in all three categories was strong so to come through that speaks volumes for what these businesses have achieved.”

Joanne Hunter of Grasmere Gingerbread said: “As co-owners of a small family business we are acutely aware that success or failure ultimately depends upon the strategic and operational decisions that we take.

"While we can (and do) praise and encourage our own children’s ideas and efforts within the business, we sometimes wish we had a mentor, over and above our customers and staff, to acknowledge our success. Recognition at national level by the FSB and Worldpay Business Awards is a much-appreciated validation of everything we do in aiming to achieve excellence."

James Frost, chief marketing and commercial officer at Worldpay UK, says: “Small businesses will continue to help drive the UK economy through both their innovation and expansion. It’s critical, especially in these uncertain times, that we support and recognise their contribution to the national economic growth and applaud the hard work and commitment that goes into running your own business.”

These winners were selected by a panel of representatives from the small business sector from across the UK, and will now go forward to the next stage of judging. Eleven UK national category finalists will be shortlisted to then go through to the final on May 10 in London.