West Cumbria's reputation as the county's economic powerhouse was reinforced at the CN Group Business Awards last night.

For the third year running, the prestigious title of 'businessperson of the year' went to a businessman from Allerdale – this time to Craig Hatch of WYG in Cockermouth.

Other West Cumbrian successes included Cumbria Travel in Whitehaven, which won 'new business of the year', and Prima Uno in Cleator Moor, which won 'service business of the year',

There was also a special award for TSP Engineering in Workington.

Construction tycoon Fred Story, founder of Story Homes and Story Contracting, received the 'lifetime contribution to Cumbria' accolade, which like the special award is made at the judges' discretion.

Around 250 of the county’s movers and shakers attended the black-tie dinner and presentation at the Low Wood Bay Resort, near Ambleside.

The new Small Business Minister, Margot James, was headline speaker and the event was hosted by Adam Powell of BBC Radio Cumbria's Money Talks.

CN Group, publisher of the Whitehaven News , stages the annual awards, which celebrate the achievements of Cumbrian businesses and the people who are behind them.

They are sponsored by the Centre of Nuclear Excellence.

Judging took place at the end of August but the results were kept a closely-guarded secret until last night.

WINNERS

Training and Development Award: Country House Outdoor, Carlisle

Exporter of the Year: Oxley Group, Ulverston

Community Involvement: Carlisle United Football Club

Innovation: Kendal Nutricare

Environmental and Energy Awareness: FSC Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld

Agribusiness of the Year: Lakes Free Range Egg Co, Stainton

Tourism and Hospitality Award: Treetop Trek, Windermere

New Business of the Year: Cumbria Travel, Whitehaven

Service Business of the Year: Prima Uno, Cleator Moor

Manufacturing Business of the Year: Clark Door, Carlisle

Best Use of Media: Daffodil Hotel and Spa, Grasmere

Customer Service Excellence Award: Brampton Skip Hire, Carlisle

Rising Star Award: Will Gardner-Brennand, Miller Waite, Ulverston

Businessperson of the Year: Craig Hatch, WYG, Cockermouth

Social Enterprise of the Year: Carlisle United Community Sports Trust

Judges' special award: TSP Engineering, Workington

Lifetime contribution to Cumbria: Fred Story, Carlisle