Several Cumbrian women have been shortlisted for prestigious regional awards.

Finalists in the Northern Power Women Awards 2019 include Women in Nuclear Cumbria branch, Prima Uno, Balfour Beatty’s Amanda Mackay and Sally Fielding, of Sally’s Cottages.

The Northern Power Women Awards celebrate the women and men working towards creating gender balance in organisations across the entire Northern Powerhouse.

Women in Nuclear Cumbria, set up last March, is shortlisted in the innovation category.

Claire Gallery-Strong, chairman, said: “The WiN Cumbria team is absolutely honoured to be among those positioning Cumbria as a key player within the Northern Power Women community.

“Less than a year since we launched, I am overwhelmed and extremely proud of what our small but formidable team of volunteers has managed to achieve.

“From building a powerful network of businesses, individuals and advocates, providing training and mentoring, leading campaigns across the county to enhance visibility of role models, helping host the iconic suffrage flag and supporting the community when in need – we feel we have become an integral part of Cumbrian industry."

Prima Uno, in Cleator Moor, will compete for the Small Organisation award. Managing director Sarah Purdham said:

“To have the company and employees of Prima Uno nominated and shortlisted for such a prestigious award is amazing.

“Things like this really do raise the profile of Cumbrian businesses and people making a real difference for their company, county and their gender."

Amanda McKay from Balfour Beatty is shortlisted for the Mentor of the Year award , while Sally Fielding, of Sally’s Cottages, is nominated in the category for Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year.

The patron for WiN UK and CEO of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Adrienne Kelbie, is a finalist in the Transformational Leader category.

Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Cumbria is being recognised at the Northern Power Women Awards.

“I want to send my heartfelt congratulations to the finalists, who are shining examples of what our county has to offer.

“Having smaller businesses like Prima Uno Ltd and powerful networks like the WiN Cumbria community is helping to ensure our region is a vital contributor to the UK economy, and I look forward to continuing my work with them to improve gender balance in industry.”

The ceremony takes place on March 18.