THE shortlist for the Family Business of the Year Awards has been announced and South Lakeland plays a starring role.

Of the 15 firms nominated in the whole of the North, six are from the Lakes, showing that, despite the recent floods, Cumbria is very much open for business.

Hawkshead Relish, Low Sizergh Barn, English Lakes Hotels, Resorts and Venues, the Heart of the Lakes, the Dale Lodge Hotel, Grasmere, and
Nanny Brow, Ambleside,are all in contention to win the prestigious award, which will be announced at the Mayfair Hotel, London, on June 2.

The awards are hosted by Family Business United, a magazine and resource centre that champions the family business sector.

Now in its fourth year, the awards recognise 'outstanding family firms' and 'seek to highlight the contribution that family firms make to the UK economy'.

Alison Park, who runs Low Sizergh Barn with her mother and father, Marjorie and John, her brother Richard and her 18-year-old nephew Matthew, called the nomination 'a really lovely surprise'.

Her father began farming at the site, located just off the A591, in 1980 and they set-up the farm shop and cafe in 1991.

The third generation of Park's is now ready to come to the fore as Matthew has just completed his course at Newton Rigg Agricultural College, near Penrith.

"We've done work this year with the Family Business Network and we realised that family businesses are so special and unique," said Alison.

"When you're working there day to day you don't realise how great it is."

Despite being delighted to be nominated, Alison is remaining realistic about her family's chances of winning.

She said: "We are in some very, very good company. There are some fantastic businesses in this area so it's nice to be nominated."

Paul Andrews, founder and managing director of Family Business United, the leading online magazine and resource centre for family firms in the UK, explains: "We are delighted to be able to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses, some that have succeeded for numerous generations and continue to thrive, and others that are relatively young but have great values at the heart of what they do."

For more information about the awards, to vote in the People’s Choice and to find out more about Family Business United, please visit www.familybusinessunited.com