TIME is running out to enter the inCumbria Business Awards 2021 after the deadline was extended for entries.

After a difficult year it’s time to celebrate the successes, innovations and most all, the talented business people we have in this county.

The inCumbria team have been overwhelmed with the number of applications already received.

And it is clear to see some Cumbrian companies harnessed the lockdowns of 2020 to develop some amazing new ideas and better ways of doing things.

BBC Countryfile’s Helen Skelton will be the guest presenter at the awards which will be held at The Halston, Carlisle, on Thursday, November 25.

Helen is no stranger to the county or the country. Born in Carlisle, she was brought up on a dairy farm in the village of Kirkby Thore.

This year there are 11 categories in our awards – from the prestigious Lifetime Contribution and Businessperson of the Year to the Trainee of the Year.

The categories are: - Lifetime Contribution to Business in Cumbria, sponsored by BAE Systems This prestigious award will go to someone who has had a significant and positive impact on the Cumbrian business community over a period of years.

- Businessperson of the Year This award is for a businessperson who has made an outstanding contribution to their company in the last year.

- Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, sponsored by David Allen This award recognises the apprentice or trainee who in the view of both the employer and the judges has demonstrated real dedication.

- Best Large Business, sponsored by TSP Engineering This award recognises a business with 51 employees - Best SME Business, sponsored by Lancaster University Management School This award recognises a business with one to 50 employees - Best New Business, sponsored by Carr’s Engineering The award is open to a successful company that has been in operation for less than three years.

- Best Family Business, sponsored by Lamont Pridmore The judges will be looking for a family-owned or family-managed business which has at least two members of a family involved in running it.

- Best Professional Services Company This will recognise a business that can demonstrate an outstanding level of professional service delivery.

- Flying the Flag for Cumbria Aimed at companies which have put Cumbria on the map with the products and services they offer.

- Best Green / Ethical Business This new award is aimed at companies that can demonstrate a successful commitment to managing their environmental obligations and take an ethical stance.

- Best Marketeer The judges will be looking for a successful marketing strategy undertaken in the last 12 months - Best Community Involvement, sponsored by The Cumberland This award will go to a business that can show its proactive commitment to putting something back into their local community.

You can enter as many categories as you wish and it’s free to enter. The deadline for nominations is Monday July 5.