Last updated at 22:20, Thursday, 14 June 2012

A Lillyhall landscaping firm will battle for a place in the CN Group Business Awards 2012.

BIDDING FOR AWARD TITLE: Paul Coombe and Alan Sharpe, of Lillyhall-based Coombe & Sharpe Landscaping

Coombe and Sharpe Landscaping Ltd, of Pitwood Road, has more than 25 years experience in the industry, from installing driveways, block paving and patios, to fencing, decking and even tree work.

The 10-strong team also carries out property maintenance and house clearances.

The business has entered the Small Business of the Year and the Environmental Awareness categories.

At the start of the year, Coombe and Sharpe installed a new waste transfer station at its yard to separate and treat waste brought to the firm for a more environmentally friendly method of disposal.

Despite the economic situation, directors Paul Coombe and Alan Sharpe said the company had taken on three employees and had seen a general growth in business over the past year.

Mr Coombe said: “Our success has been down to our skilled and dedicated workforce.

“The waste transfer station meant being successful at gaining permission to operate from the county council and the Environment Agency.

“This facility adds to the waste recycling centre of excellence at Lillyhall and expands our ability to be able to recycle and reuse more of the waste that is generated from our landscape gardening jobs as well as from the property maintenance we carry out.

“We are a small firm who have fought against the odds to keep delivering professional services to the people of West Cumbria.”

The CN Group Business Awards 2012 are held in association with Barclays and Invest in Cumbria.

Despite Britain’s return to recession, there is much to celebrate in Cumbria. Companies continue to lead the way in a host of sectors and the county remains an attractive destination for investment.

Through these free-to-enter awards, we aim to spotlight the men and women who run our most successful firms and create jobs that support communities.

There is a category to suit any size or type of business and, as long as you have a base in Cumbria, you’re eligible to apply. All shortlisted entries will receive coverage in CN Group newspapers and websites. The awards will culminate in a night of celebration at Rheged, Penrith, in October.

To see a list of categories or to apply, visit www.cnbusi nessawards.co.uk or call Alison Sisson on 01228 612617.

First published at 19:24, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk