Time is running out to get your entries in for the county's premier awards event.

The in-Cumbria Business Awards 2020 will take place on November 12 at 7pm and the closing date for entries is September 7.

This year, due to the coronavirus crisis, the awards will be live streamed online.

The host for the event will be Vassos Alexander, who is best known for co-hosting the Chris Evans breakfast show and has appeared on a number of BBC radio and TV shows.

As in previous years, one of the most keenly watched awards will be that for Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria, which last year went to John Grainger, executive director of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster.

While nominations for this award - which is sponsored by associate sponsor NRL - are welcome, the winner will be decided by the in-Cumbria team and there will be no published shortlist.

This year will also feature the Best Community Involvement award - sponsored by the Cumberland Building Society - but with a specific focus on how businesses have helped their communities during the coronavirus crisis.

Phil Ward, brand manager for the Cumberland, said the company was proud to be a sponsor again after being involved with the in-Cumbria Business Awards for a number of years.

“As a business we play an active part in the communities we work in,” he said.

“Our business purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of our customers, communities and people.

“We are very keen to ensure we support the communities around Cumbria in the way they have supported us.

“In recent months community has been more important than ever and so it’s really important to us to celebrate and spotlight those people who have made a really positive difference.”

A new award, the Against All Odds Special Award - sponsored by BAE Systems, will celebrate businesses which have battled against the odds to survive the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entries are also open for; Businessperson of the Year - sponsored by TSP Engineering, Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - sponsored by the University of Cumbria, New Business of the Year - sponsored by Furness College, SME of the Year - sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd, Large Business of the Year, Family Business of the Year - sponsored by Lamont Pridmore, Professional Services Business of the Year and Green/Ethical Business of the Year.

To enter the awards go to: www.in-cumbria.com/news/businessawards/entryform

Entries that have been made since they first opened in April will still be taken into account.