A LEADING biomass firm has become a finalist in a set of top flight national industry awards for its innovative work in Cumbria.

Kirkby Lonsdale-based Barden Energy faces tough competition in the annual H and V News Awards - the Oscars of the British building services sector - as it vies to become UK Off Grid Installer 2015 at London’s prestigious awards ceremony in April.

The team of biomass specialists at the established firm are also in the running to scoop a gong for H and V News Awards District Heat Project of the Year for their carefully orchestrated and environmentally friendly biomass scheme at historic Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa in Keswick.

Barden Energy is up against top companies, including Vital Energy - installers of a biomass system for the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Emirates Arena in Glasgow - and Carillion Ecopod and British Gas Business for a biomass development serving 543 homes.

Biomass experts at Barden Energy installed the large and complex district heat scheme at Armathwaite Hall in June last year - finishing ahead of schedule, on budget and all without disruption to the prestigious establishment and guests.

Barden Energy’s sales director Will Barden said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in two of the most fought for categories in this year’s H and V News Awards - particularly as we have been selected alongside other nationwide leading energy firms.

“Armathwaite’s brief was particularly challenging given that it was so important there was minimal disruption to the business and guests during installation.

“But with careful planning, our experienced and skilled teams were able to exceed our customer’s expectations."