Community Business Award

This award highlights groups or individuals whose business initiatives have made a positive difference to their local communities.

Runner-up:

Muncaster Microbus provides public transport to some of Cumbria’s most isolated areas. For non-drivers in places like Bootle, Eskdale and Wasdale, it could be almost impossible to go on a shopping trip to Whitehaven. But thanks to the microbus, they can now be picked up from their front door. Along with its twice-weekly shopping runs, the company organises day trips once a fortnight to various tourist attractions. The bus is driven by unpaid volunteers, for a small fare to cover petrol costs.

Winner:

Coniston Community Development Centre offers training courses to people from all walks of life. But without tutor Barbara Hill, it would no longer exist. When Cumbria County Council funding for the centre ended several years ago, she battled to raise enough grant money to keep it going. Paid for two days a week – but usually working far more – she now offers courses in subjects such as food hygiene, first aid, languages and IT. She recently secured a grant to buy two laptops so she could teach elderly and disabled people at home.