FAMILY businesses from across Cumbria won big at The North West Family Business Awards at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool’s iconic Titanic Hotel.

Organisers of the event Sue Howorth and Dave Clarkson said: “We wanted this year’s awards to be something really special and we’re delighted with how it came together on the night. Our Awards is anything but a run of the mill business awards – it’s a celebration of the ecosystem that is family business.

Herdy, a clothing company based in South Cumbria, won best social impact at the awards.

They joined fellow South Cumbrian firms Hackney and Leigh (Business Services); The Dalesman Country Inn (Food and Drink Establishment); Pennington’s Tea and Coffee (Food and Drink Producers); The Yan at Broadrayne (Leisure and Tourism); Laurens Cows (Retailer); and Cable and Blake (People's Choice).

Meanwhile, Carlisle based Story Decorating Group won in Construction and Engineering, alongside fellow Carlisle businesses Clark Door Limited (Manufacturing).

Martin Rankin of The Cumberland, one of the sponsors of the event, said: “We’re pleased to have played a part in making sure our region’s family businesses receive the recognition they deserve. The event was a real celebration of family business values and ethos.”

Liverpool's historic Stanley Docks was the setting for the sell out 2022 Awards, organised by The Family Business Community. The North West Family Business Awards celebrate family businesses of all sizes and sectors covering Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Ms Howarth and Mr Clarkson continued: “There was such an appetite for the Awards this year and the atmosphere and buzz in the room was electric. The week before, we had to close ticket sales as we’d completely sold out.

“What was also nice this year was that over 80% of applicants were completely new to us, so it was great to meet lots of new family businesses and welcome them into our family business community”.