With just mere days to go until the countdown to the much anticipated 2020 in-Cumbria Business Awards is over, our very own Newsquest Cumbria group editor Vanessa Sims has revealed what she is most looking forward to.

Truly remarkable achievements, pioneering work and individual endeavour are set to be highlighted and honoured at this year’s awards, with 11 prizes up for grabs.

In a unique one-off, the much coveted awards – which have been a mainstay of the business calendar for more than a decade – will be done virtually this Thursday due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Vassos Alexander, best known as co-presenter of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio and host of the Parkrun podcast, will be the face of this year’s awards and announcing who our expert judges picked to be crowned the winners.

Vanessa Sims, group editor for in-Cumbria publisher Newsquest Cumbria, said: “I am very excited and extremely looking forward to the awards evening this Thursday. With November being tough for businesses and people enduring a second national lockdown, it could not be more timely for us to have a reason to sit back, let our hair down and watch and get involved with the 2020 in-Cumbria Business Awards.

“With so much change and uncertainty in the Cumbrian economy as it responds to the circumstances surrounding the global Covid-19 pandemic there is no better time to celebrate the best in business across the county. I'm looking forward to finding out who the winners, supporting the hard work from across the county's business community and Vassos Alexander add that extra sparkle to the night.

“in-Cumbria’s business awards is all about showcasing hard work, talent, skills and innovation in Cumbria and I am delighted that we can still highlight the many successes in one of the toughest year’s for business.”

Taking place interactively via a live stream due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, this year’s unique event will start at 7pm on Thursday 12th November.

You can help recognise the best Cumbrian businesses by signing up to watch the event here: https://icba.sparq.me.uk/