By Matthew Legg

Published at 11:08, Thursday, 21 July 2011

JENNINGS, the most famous name in the Cumbrian beer industry, is in the running for this year’s CN Group Business Awards.

Jennings Brewery: Nominated in this year’s awards

The Cockermouth brewer has entered the Community Involvement category, partly for its impressive work in helping the town recover from the 2009 floods.

The firm’s Castlegate Brewery was severely damaged in the deluge, with 6ft of floodwater causing £1m-worth of damage to its east control room, meaning the site had to be shut for three months.

Despite that challenge, the company threw itself into helping the wider community recover, donating 10p for every pint sold during the closure period. An incredible £178,000 was raised for the Cumbria Community Foundation as a result.

Jennings has always played a huge part in Cockermouth life and continues to do so. It invests thousands of pounds into community events, including the Keswick Jazz Festival, Grasmere Sports, the World’s Biggest Liar contest, an annual Christmas carol service and Taste Cumbria.

It also helps fund local beer festivals including events at Cockermouth, Silloth, Whitehaven and Workington.

The firm raises cash for charity every year through events like the Jennings Family Fun Day and is driving force behind the Rivers Ride charity cycle challenge later this year.

Jennings staff often give up their free time to support these events.

The company says: “At Jennings, the family is important and so it is only right that we involve the children whenever possible.

“The local children look forward to the annual Easter egg painting competition and the egg hunt around the brewery is always a winner.

“As an important part of the community, Jennings has responsibility to ensure that Cockermouth and Cumbria are fun places to visit.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Rheged Discovery Centre, Penrith, on Thursday, October 20. To see a list of categories, or to apply, go to www.cnbusinesawards.co.uk or call Alison Sisson on 01228 612617.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk