AN ACCOUNTANCY firm with special expertise in the leisure sector has signed up to sponsor the Hotel of the Year category in The Westmorland Gazette Business and Tourism Awards 2012, Lamont Pridmore, chartered accountants, tax and advisors, says it wants to recognise the contribution tourism and hospitality makes to the local economy.

Chief executive Gra-ham Lamont said: “It remains a key sector and we believe that its success stories should be recognised and celebrated, both to inspire others and to ensure that Cumbria and the Lake District continue to be known as one of the UK’s pre-eminent holiday desti-nations.

“We are specialists in the tourism and hospi-tality sector, so we are delighted to be spon-soring an award which recognises best prac-tice in this important industry – and, as a national award-win-ning firm ourselves, we know what a significant benefit winning can have on a business, as it has with our practice.”

There are 11 cate-gories in this year’s Gazette awards with the ultimate prize being the Business of the Year Award -– last year won by Ulverston ener-gy saving lighting firm Marl International.

Businesses of all sizes can enter, from one-man bands to public companies.

Last year, more than 120 companies from South Lakeland, Eden, Furness, Lancashire and the Dales entered the awards, winning recognition for their business acumen.

This year’s winners will be revealed at a ceremony at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on September 14. It costs nothing – but entries must be in by Monday, July 30.