THE most environmentally-savvy businesses in the county were honoured at the Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN) awards.

THE most environmentally-savvy businesses in the county were honoured at the Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN) awards.

Held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, the awards rewarded more than 100 businesses which had worked hard to help the environment.

The business network is a project delivered by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) which provides advice, audits and support to Cumbrian businesses looking to find ways to reduce their environmental impact and manage their resources more efficiently.

Winners were announced in three categories gold, silver and bronze recognising commitment to lowering the environmental impact of their businesses through changing their working practices.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of three excellence awards, which were given to businesses which went over and above the criteria required, truly embracing new measures out of concern for the environment, and showing real dedication to resource efficiency.

Picking up a bronze excellence award was Hunter Hall School, Penrith. Headteacher Tony Winzor said: “We are delighted to receive the award in recognition of the school’s commitment to the environment and to more general sustainability issues.

“The pupils have been actively involved in putting together an environmental policy and to making real changes in order to be more aware of the effects of our behaviour on important global issues. Whilst it is not always easy on a site that is made up of old and listed buildings, the governing body, too, are committed to continued responsible development of the school. It is a very exciting phase of Hunter Hall School’s development, coinciding with its 25th jubilee.”

GOLDAWARDS

Winning gold awards in Eden were: Action with Communities in Cumbria, Redhills, Penrith; Atkinson Building Contractors, Penrith; Augill Castle, Brough; Barker & Bland, Dalefoot Farm, Heltondale; Bells of Lazonby, Lazonby; Countryside Consultants (architects and planners), Alston; Eden Recycling, Kirkby Stephen; H & H Reeds Printers, Penrith; JS Engineering Design Ltd. Penrith; Second Nature UK Ltd., Soulands Gate, Dacre; and The Miners Arms, Nenthead.

Silver award-winner was Out of Eden, Kirkby Stephen; while bronze award winners included Heather Glen Country House, Ainstable; LANDATA, Appleby; Oakes & Terry, Penrith; and Thompsons of Penrith.

In Keswick and the surrounding area, gold award-winners included Dolly Wagon Guesthouse, Helvellyn Street, Keswick; Field Studies Council, Blencathra Field Centre, Threlkeld; Honister House, Borrowdale Road, Keswick; Keswick Brewing Company, Brewery Lane, Keswick; Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick; Glaramara, Seatoller, Borrowdale.

While picking up bronze awards were: Ashness Farm Guesthouse, Borrowdale, Keswick; and Sunnyside Guesthouse, Southey Street, Keswick.

Lynne Fox, executive director of CREA, said: “It’s fantastic to bring together so many business owners and their staff who are demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and reaping financial benefits from it.

“The Government estimates businesses in the UK could add £23 billion a year to their bottom line by managing their resources and waste more efficiently.

“With fuel at record prices we expect a lot more businesses will be thinking about what more they could do this year. Joining CBEN could be the first step.”