Businesses large and small are gearing up to compete for honours in this year's in-cumbria Business Awards.

More than 100 firms have already thrown their hats in the ring for the prestigious awards which celebrate the best Cumbria has to offer.

Entries close today with businesses now going forward to the judging process.

As part of this a top panel of distinguised judges from across Cumbria will visit and share their expertise with shortlisted entrants in 16 categories covering all sectors of business and induatry.

The three-person panel for each category will be made up of a business leader, who will also act as a chairperson, category sponsor representative and a CN Group representative.

Ten top business people have already agreed to give up their time and share their expertise as a lead category judge.

Shortlisted businesses from those who enter the awards are set to benefit from ‘money-can’t-buy’ insight and experience from the judges.

This year's awards will be presented by the BBC's media editor Amol Rajan, a former editor of The Independent, at the Halston Hotel in Carlisle on November 9.

James Higgins, group editor with the CN Group which includes in-cumbria, said: "There has been a fantastic response to this year's business awards and I am really looking forward to the big night in November, and to meeting the shorlisted finalists.

"The awards really do present businesses with an opportunity to showcase their achievements talents and hard-working staff.

Previous winners include Carlisle United FC, Carlisle-based Clark Door, adventure company Treetop Trek in Windermere, project management services provider Prima Uno in Cleator Moor and Cumbrian financial services firm Armstrong Watson.