Lakeland RC founders Ian Hill (centre) and John Knox, with Ian’s son Alex standing between them, and Ian’s wife, Leonie, seated front right (Picture Credit Nicola Jackson)
Keswick-based Lakeland Rowing Club has recognised the contribution of two of its founders by awarding them honorary life membership.
Ian Hill and John Knox, who have been friends and keen rowers for sixty years, set up Lakeland in 2007 with two other local oarsmen to further the sport they love.
At the time, there were no rowing clubs between Brampton and Lancaster, an area of several hundred square miles including some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the Lake District.
By 2016, there were enough members to split into two independent clubs: Lakeland RC on Derwentwater and, for those in the south of the county, Windermere RC.
Lakeland chair Julia McCumiskey, who presented their life membership certificates at Saturday’s ceremony, said: “Lakeland RC would not be the thriving club it is today without the foresight and dedication of Ian and John. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Ian and John, who is the club’s life president, rowed for the University of Cambridge’s Clare College in the 1960s and went on to race together at Henley Royal Regatta for many years.
Although the pair no longer compete, they have remained members of Lakeland RC, generously contributing their time and resources to support its growth.
They have also introduced family members to the sport, with Ian’s son Alex, daughter-in-law Hannah and grandson Sam all playing an active part in the club.
Lakeland now has around 100 members, who attend evening and weekend sessions or form crews for impromptu weekday outings. It also runs low-cost adult and junior learn-to-row courses from April to September every year, with bursaries available to help with fees.
Beginners, or returning rowers, who would like to know more about opportunities at Lakeland RC can visit www.lakelandrowingclub.com or find the club on Facebook – just search for the Lakeland Rowing Club page.
The Top Dog Business Awards, a new initiative celebrating excellence in the pet care industry, has officially been launched. This exciting event, set to take place on Friday, 16th May 2025 at The Halston, Warwick Road, Carlisle, promises a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.
The awards, founded by Dave and Vicky McKenna, owners of Top Dog Doggy Day Care, along with their daughter Madison, aim to recognise outstanding businesses in the dog care sector. Categories include grooming, training, retail, and veterinary services. The event will feature an esteemed panel of judges, including Hannah Wade, a Crufts Judge and Championship Dog Agility Competitor, and Sarah Bean, General Manager of Eden Animal Rescue.
Dave McKenna along with daughter Madison and wife Vicky McKenna founders of Top Dog Business Awards
In a heart-warming gesture, all profits from the Top Dog Business Awards will be donated to Eden Animal Rescue. The funds will support their fundraising efforts for a new kennel block, ensuring a better future for countless animals in need. Eden Animal Rescue is actively seeking sponsors to help make this project a reality.
Dave and Vicky’s journey began several years ago with the opening of Top Dog Doggy Day Care, a place where pets could feel at home and their owners could trust in the quality of care. Their mission has always been to offer a safe, loving, and fun environment for dogs, ensuring they are happy and healthy while their owners are away. This dedication to exceptional care is the driving force behind the Top Dog Business Awards.
The panel of judges for the awards includes industry and business experts dedicated to recognising excellence in the dog business sector:
Hannah Wade – Crufts Judge, Championship Dog Agility Competitor
Adam Roberts – Owner of CJAJ Media, Social Media Expert
Naomi Smith – Owner of Saltire Financial, Business Expert
Sarah Bean – General Manager of Eden Animal Rescue, Dog Business Expert
The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Telfords Van Hub, Sannas, GHS Direct, Steffany Collette, Candy Print, and Saltire Financial. However they have more sponsorship opportunities and catergories? Visit Top Dog Awards Sponsorship for more details Sponsorship | Top Dog Business Awards
Categories are: Dog Walker Of The Year, Dog Kennels Of The Year, Day Care Of The Year, Dog Groomer Of The Year, Dog Breeder Of The Year, Dog Trainer Of The Year, Dog Retailer Of The Year, New Business Of The Year and Dog Vets Of The Year.
So what are you waiting for! Get in touch with them to sponsor a category and nominate! Help spread the word!
Sunnyside Guest House, a beloved establishment in Keswick, has been recognised for its outstanding service and dedication over the past six years by winning the Cumbria Tourism Bed and Breakfast and Guest House of the Year 2024. This accolade follows their recent achievement as a finalist in The Family Business Community North West Awards this year also.
Owners Paul and Nicky Roper have tirelessly worked to create a memorable experience for their guests, supporting local charities like Fix The Fells and prioritising local suppliers and produce. Paul Roper expressed their pride, stating, “Winning this prestigious award is a testament to our commitment to excellence. We couldn’t have done it without the help and support of our wonderful, world class local producers and amazing guests.”
Looking ahead, Sunnyside Guest House aims to focus on sustainability while continuing to uphold the high-quality service that their guests have come to expect.
The awards ceremony was held at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel on July 2, which was a celebration of Cumbria’s tourism industry, marking the 50th anniversary of Cumbria Tourism.
Paul Roper added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cumbria Tourism and the sponsor of our category award, Dodds & Co – Chartered Accountants, for their support. We are excited to continue flying the flag for all guest houses and offering exceptional stays for our visitors. We remain committed to supporting the environment, our community, and local producers for many more years to come.”
Katy Smith and Craig Smith owners of Theas Lakeland Walks with their dog Thea who they have named the business after
Thea’s Lakeland Walks, a renowned dog day care service based in High Hesket Business Park, Carlisle, has once again demonstrated its excellence in pet care by securing several prestigious accolades. The company, known for its commitment to providing top-notch services, has been recognised as a leader in the industry, earning the title of ‘Business of the Year Finalist’ in both 2019 and 2023. Their dedication to quality care has also earned them the ‘Pet Care Specialists of the Year’ award for four consecutive years, from 2020 to 2023.
In 2021, Thea’s Lakeland Walks was a finalist for the ‘PIF Pet Services Business of the Year,’ showcasing their continued commitment to excellence. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for the company as they were honoured with the ‘Global Recognition Award,’ a testament to their outstanding services on an international scale. Furthermore, the company’s innovative approach and dedication to the community were recognized by Theo Paphitis, a renowned business magnate, as they won the ‘Small Business Sunday Winner 2023.’
Thea’s Lakeland Walks has also made a conscious effort to operate in an environmentally friendly manner, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable business practices. Their team’s expertise is backed by qualifications in canine behaviour and certifications in pet sitting and dog walking, ensuring that every pet receives the best possible care.
“As the proud owner of Thea’s Lakeland Walks, I am deeply humbled by the recognition we’ve received. These awards are not just accolades to display; they reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in pet care. Each honour we’ve earned, from being finalists for ‘Business of the Year’ to receiving the ‘Global Recognition Award’, fuels our passion to serve our community and the pets we adore. Our success is measured not in trophies, but in the wagging tails and happy barks of the dogs we have the privilege to care for. We pledge to continue setting the benchmark for sustainable, compassionate, and exceptional pet care services. Here’s to the journey ahead, filled with more milestones and cherished moments with our furry clients.” – Catherine Smith, owner of Thea’s Lakeland Walks.
As featured in North West Wedding Magazine and Abode2, Thea’s Lakeland Walks continues to set the standard for pet care services, not only in Cumbria but across the region.
With a comprehensive range of services and a customer-centric approach, they remain at the forefront of the industry, celebrating their achievements and looking forward to future successes.
Mel Walmsley Owner of Lakes Sandwiches at The Sammies 2024 with their Sandwich Entry
Lakes Sandwiches, based in Kendal has once again proven its dedication to the community by being recognised as the Best Locally-Sourced Packaged Sandwich Company 2024 in the upcoming Business Elite Awards with SME News. This prestigious honour emphasises their relentless commitment to producing high quality products and cements their role as a pillar of local enterprise.
But the accolades don’t stop there. Lakes Sandwiches were also named a finalist for the People’s Choice Award – Community Champions category at the North West Family Business Awards. This nomination highlights their exceptional contributions to the community and their commitment to making a positive impact.
In addition to these recent achievements, Lakes Sandwiches reached the semi-finals of the prestigious British Sandwich Association’s “Sammies” awards earlier this year. Their custom sandwich designs, a testament to their creative spirit, have garnered industry-wide acclaim and positioned them as leaders in the culinary art of sandwich making.
Founded on the principles of freshness and local sourcing, Lakes Sandwiches has been handcrafting high-quality food-to-go products since its inception in 2014. Their range, initially created as a high-quality alternative to mass-manufactured options, has always prioritised taste and affordability without compromising on quality.
In 2017, Lakes Sandwiches took a significant step forward by rebranding their packaging and partnering with other local food producers. This move not only enhanced the quality of their ingredients, from cheeses to chutneys, but also strengthened the local food ecosystem.
“Our mission is to offer convenience food that is both fresh and tasty. We believe you don’t have to compromise on quality for meals on the go. Being recognised in all these awards is a true honour and a reflection of our team’s passion and hard work.” said Mel Walmsley, co-founder and visionary behind Lakes Sandwiches.
Lakes Sandwiches’ commitment to the community extends beyond their products. They create job opportunities for local residents, support various local charities, and actively promote local sourcing and great food within the community.
As part of their growing success and expansion, Lakes Sandwiches now offers a bespoke range tailored for Meetings, Office Lunches, Parties, and Events. Their diverse menu includes; Sandwich Platter Boxes, Picnic Lunch Bags, Afternoon Tea Boxes and Cake & Tray Bake Selections. These offerings can be explored on their website and easily ordered via their online shop.
As Lakes Sandwiches continues to grow and innovate, they invite everyone to join them in celebrating these remarkable achievements. With their eyes set on the future, they promise to keep delivering outstanding food that not only satisfies the palate but also contributes positively to the community they so proudly serve.
For more information about Lakes Sandwiches and their award-nominated offerings, please visit their website www.lakesandwiches.co.uk or call them on 01539 723303.
Award winning Lakes Sandwiches Owners Mel and Scott Walmsley
Showcase Cumbria Ltd is thrilled to announce that its very own Mary Ballard has been nominated for an impressive five categories at the prestigious 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS). This marks Mary’s first nomination for these esteemed awards, recognising her exceptional contributions to the business community.
Mary has been nominated for the following categories: Best Business, Business Woman, Creative Industry, Inspirational Woman, and Professional Services. These nominations are a testament to her unwavering commitment and innovative spirit in the business sector.
The nomination highlights Mary’s inspirational journey: “Mary is a truly inspirational woman, who always commits 100% to whatever she’s doing. Over the past five years, through Showcase Cumbria, she has used her networking to bring many businesses together and has helped us secure our group of suppliers. She is constantly thinking of opportunities to help other businesses and promotes them at every opportunity through Showcase Cumbria. Mary is a true, breath of fresh air, a real positive and genuine person who is willing to support and help others.”
In addition to her remarkable achievements, Mary Ballard is the proud owner of Ballard PR Agency, serving a diverse portfolio of clients within Cumbria. Her association with CBASS COMPLETE BUSINESS ADVISORY SOLUTIONS further exemplifies her dedication to local enterprise. Currently collaborating with CLEP and Cumbrian councils, CBASS is at the forefront of providing business support, aligning perfectly with Mary’s and Showcase Cumbria’s philosophy of bolstering Cumbrian businesses and delivering comprehensive services.
The EVAS, now celebrating its 13th anniversary, stands as the premier female business awards in the UK, shining a spotlight on the achievements and innovations of women in business.
For more details about the awards, please visit our website at www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk. Join us in celebrating Mary’s remarkable achievements by connecting with us on social media and using the hashtag #EVAS2024.
Showcase Cumbria Founder Mary Ballard with Showcase Cumbria mascot Bruno on top of Latrigg in Cumbria.
About Showcase Cumbria Ltd Showcase Cumbria Ltd is a dynamic community news and media platform dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration within the business community and the county of Cumbria. Through strategic networking and support services, Showcase Cumbria has become a cornerstone for business development and community news in the region. Started in 2017 initially via Twitter (now X) and is now across 4 social media channels; X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Founder Mary Ballard said on why she started it “I wanted showcase all that is great about Cumbria; it is such a great place to live, work and visit. I also wanted to provide a much opportunities of all sizes of businesses and charities, event organisers and residents to shout about what they are doing. I also wanted people to know that Cumbria has so many parts to it from beaches to monuments to forests to a independent produce/products and shops. I want to shine the light on all aspects of Cumbria.”
Showcase Cumbria’s founder Mary Ballard provides opportunities for sponsorship, advertising, job postings, event promotions, and features write-ups and video interviews through the website which was set up this February. Charities and press releases are featured free of charge.
(Photo of Meraki HR Solutions Founder and Managing Director, Emma Browning)
Meraki HR Solutions, a forward-thinking provider of innovative human resources solutions, is proud to announce it’s double nomination at the prestigious Enterprise Vision Awards. The company and its founder, Emma Browning, have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the business landscape and the professional services sector, respectively. Meraki HR Solutions has been nominated for the highly coveted Best Business Award, while Emma Browning has been nominated for the esteemed Professional Services Award.
The Best Business Award, open to businesses regardless of establishment timeline, celebrates companies that embody excellence in all facets of their operations. Meraki HR Solutions’ nomination underscores its commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering unparalleled HR solutions across various industry sectors.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the creation of Meraki HR Solutions, MD Emma Browning expressed, “Our journey began with a vision to make every business we work with, a great place to work, which is particularly important with the skills shortages we are now seeing. We recognised the need for a more holistic approach to HR, one that combines technology and our extensive experience with a personalised service and support to drive meaningful results for each of our clients.”
Meraki HR Solutions has achieved significant milestones in its 10 years of business, earning the trust of clients and industry recognition along the way. From navigating dynamic market trends to fostering a culture of innovation, the company has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving business environment.
Similarly, Emma Browning’s nomination for the Professional Services Award celebrates her exceptional contributions to the professional services sector. From her transition from a sales and operations role into the field of human resources to her relentless pursuit of excellence, Emma has distinguished herself as a visionary HR leader dedicated to driving positive change for the clients Meraki HR work with
“I wanted to move into HR as I genuinely believe that it’s people that make or break a business – you don’t have a great business without great people. So, you need to find great people and make sure you hold onto them, which isn’t easy!” My passion for giving managers and leaders the skills to manage and motivate their teams to ensure they nurture and retain great talent, has been the driving force behind my career journey,” Emma shared.
Throughout her career, Emma has achieved remarkable milestones, earning the respect and admiration of peers, employees, and clients alike. Working for global brands such as Porsche Cars, Harley Davidson and Adecco, as well as many SME’s. Her future plans are centred around expanding the business whilst continuing to deliver unparalleled HR solutions and service for their clients.
The Enterprise Vision Awards judging panel will evaluate nominees based on various criteria, including the inspiration behind business creation, achievements and challenges to date, future plans and development, and the drive and passion behind the business. Meraki HR Solutions and Emma Browning are particularly honoured to be recognised for their contributions to their respective sectors as they have been nominated for these awards by their clients and look forward to the opportunity to showcase their business and client achievements on a national stage.
For more information about Meraki HR Solutions and Emma Browning’s contributions to the field of human resources and professional services, please visit www.merakihr.com.
About Meraki HR Solutions:
Meraki HR Solutions is a leading provider of professional, commercial, and practical human resources solutions, dedicated to empowering organisations and individuals to thrive. With a focus on leveraging their experience and creativity in finding unique solutions for each of their clients, Meraki HR Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of HR, Training and Coaching services designed to ensure their clients are first and foremost legally compliant, but that they also create a great place to work with a focus on recruiting and retaining great people, with the aim of driving organisational success.
