Cumbria has a manufacturing base to be proud of. From major multi-national corporations to independent family concerns, the county is firmly placed on the global industrial map.

In recognition of this, in-cumbria Business Awards 2017 will honour Cumbria's finest with its Best Manufacturing Award, sponsored this year by top audit firm KPMG UK.

KPMG, internationally renowned as a leader in its field, says it is proud to support our Business Awards because the programme “champions the innovative, courageous and hard-working leaders who are fundamental to those ambitions and offer the best of the local business community.”

Bill McGowan, CN Group's marketing director, said he was delighted to have a company of KPMG's stature on board in the in-cumbria Business Awards.

“Here in Cumbria we have a vibrant manufacturing sector cutting across all levels,” he said.

“Having attracted such as sponsor as KPMG endorses our Business Awards programme and puts Cumbria industry well and truly on the map.”

Last year the Manufacturing Business of the Year award went to Carlisle industrial door specialists Clark Door, hailed by the judges as a business which looked outside its traditional market with staff training and development “engraved in its culture.”

On receiving the prestigious award, Clark Door's managing director Andrew Ashley commented: “We're really proud of this award, which is really a thank you to the team who work so hard to make the business successful.”

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

The Best Manufacturing Business honour will go to the company which achieves excellent results through manufacturing. The judges will be looking at all aspects of company performance and will pay particular attention to:

* Managerial and financial performance;

* Evidence of success against targets set;

* Potential for growth;

* Long term plans and company strategy;

* Product excellence and innovation;

* Staff training and development.

Entries have already opened for the awards, which will see 16 categories available to businesses and individuals, with a distinguished panel of judges from the world of Cumbrian business assessing the entries.

To enter go to www.in-cumbria.com/awards