THE winners of the in-Cumbria Business Awards 2018 have been revealed.

At an awards ceremony last night, hosted by TV and radio broadcaster Jeremy Vine at the Halston in Carlisle, the cream of the county’s business world were celebrated.

The in-Cumbria Business Awards, in association with Sellafield Limited, saw around 250 business leaders gather to pick up the top honours after hundreds of firms from across the county entered across 15 categories.

Burneside-based firm Technical Fibre Products, which is part of James Cropper Plc, scooped a double accolade with the awards for both Best Manufacturing and Best Innovation.

Ulverston LED manufacturer Oxley Group, which supplies its products across the world, was named Best Exporter and Rothay Garden Hotel, near Grasmere, received the Best Tourism and Hospitality Award.

Businessperson of the Year was Barry Leahey MBE, of Playdale Playgrounds, based in Haverthwaite while the prestigious Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria award was presented to Maria and Mark Whitehead, of Hawkshead Relish.

Luke Dicicco, group business editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “The awards are a true celebration of the county’s business prowess and based on the extremely high quality of this year’s winners, we have a huge amount to shout about.

“It was fantastic to see all sectors and all four corners of the county recognised this year with businesses raising the bar to extremely high levels. There really was very little in it across all the categories, and all finalists can be rightly proud of their achievements because deciding the winners was tough.

“I’d like to pay specific tribute to Barry for winning what had to be one of the most coveted prizes on the night. It is a true recognition of someone who has taken their business to new heights.

“And I’d also like to congratulate Maria and Mark for receiving the honour of Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria. They have created a thriving business and helped to put Cumbria firmly on the map.

“My thanks also go out to all our sponsors – particularly our event partner Sellafield Limited – and the expert judges who decided the winners this year.

“It has been a real team Cumbria effort and shows just what we can achieve when we come together.”

To see a report and photos from last night’s awards, visit www.in-cumbria.com.

Winners and finalists in the in-Cumbria Business Awards 2018

Best Exporter, sponsored by HSBC

Winner: Oxley Group

Finalist: Trade Copiers

Best Community Involvement, sponsored by Genesis Homes

Winner: Kaefer

Finalists: Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, Sealy UK

Best Innovation, sponsored by BAE Systems

Winner: Technical Fibre Products

Finalists: Bender UK, Rovtech Solutions

Best Tourism and Hospitality, sponsored by Direct Rail Services

Winner: Rothay Garden Hotel

Finalists: Tullie House, Sally’s Cottages

Best New Business, sponsored by FW Capital

Winner: Luxury Living Development

Finalists: Caterprep, i3 Decommissioning Partners

Best Manufacturing Business, sponsored by Associated British Ports

Winner: Technical Fibre Products

Finalist: Futamura Chemicals

Best Customer Service Excellence, sponsored by Reiver Homes

Winner: Walby Farm Park

Finalists: Cumberland Building Society, Direct Rail Services

Business Person of the Year

Winner: Barry Leahey MBE

Finalists: Nick Gutteridge, Debbie Francis

Best Social Enterprise, sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner: Cumbria Health on Call

Finalists: The Centre for Leadership Performance, The Happy Mums Foundation

Best Apprentice/Trainee, sponsored by Bendalls Engineering

Winner: Rebecca Mooney

Finalists: Thomas Armstrong, Abigail Graham

Best Professional Services Company, sponsored by Cumberland Building Society

Winner: Cartmell Shepherd

Finalists: Prima Uno, Armstrong Watson

Best Marketing Strategy, sponsored by Carlisle Brass

Winner: CHO Fashion and Lifestyle

Finalists: H&H Insurance Brokers, Cumberland Building Society

Best SME Business, sponsored by Enterprise Answers

Winner: One Little Bird Public Relations

Finalists: Prima Uno, Bender UK

Best Large Business, sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

Winner: Caterite Food and Wine Service

Finalists: Cumberland Building Society, TSP Engineering

Best Family Business, sponsored by Armstrong Watson

Winner: GM & SM Marrs

Finalists: K&S McKenzie, J Edgar & Son

Lifetime Contribution: Maria and Mark Whitehead