Judges’ shortlisted visits begin and host announced for the BECBC awards 2024

The highly anticipated BECBC Awards Dinner 2024 is fast approaching, and the judging panel is set to begin visiting shortlisted companies as part of the selection process. This year's awards ceremony, scheduled for November at Energus, will celebrate the remarkable achievements of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) members over the past year.

Now in its 21st year, the event takes on the theme of “Key to the Door,” reflecting BECBC's pivotal role in unlocking business opportunities for its members. The prestigious and sold-out awards dinner will showcase outstanding businesses from across the region, providing a platform for winners, finalists, and sponsors to boost their profiles within the local economy.

Judges’ visits begin

John Grainger, Head Judge for the BECBC Awards, commented:
“Congratulations to all those shortlisted in each category. Once again, we have received some fantastic nominations, and narrowing these down to a shortlist was no easy task.
“Next comes the judges’ visits, which are an essential part of the process. They allow us to get to know the companies behind the submissions and see first-hand the incredible work they’re doing. These visits are always a joy, but that doesn’t make choosing a winner any easier!”

The visits offer a unique opportunity for judges to assess the shortlisted companies in their natural environments, gaining a deeper understanding of their projects, innovations, and contributions to the local economy.

Host for 2024 announced

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by BECBC member Samantha Down, Client Relationship Manager at 32West, a Cumbrian PR and marketing agency. Samantha shared her excitement about taking on the role:
“When Dianne asked if I’d be the host for this year's awards back in January, I was thrilled and honoured, although I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep it a secret for so long!
“The BECBC awards are a highlight on Cumbria’s awards calendar, celebrating the energy companies and supply chains that work tirelessly for our county and country. It’s always an evening filled with fun and reflection on the successes of the past year. I can’t wait for the event and wish all the shortlisted companies the best of luck during their judging visits.”

Shortlisted companies and categories

A wide range of categories will be recognised at this year’s awards, with the following companies and individuals shortlisted:

• Business of the Year (Sponsored by Sellafield Ltd):

  • FIS360

  • Core

  • Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick

• BECBC Partnership (Sponsored by Westinghouse):

  • The Bus Station Whitehaven (Barclays Eagle Labs) and BEC

  • Energy Coast UTC and Morgan Sindall

  • Programme and Project Partners at Sellafield

  • NNL and Jacobs

• Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year (Sponsored by Cavendish Nuclear):

  • Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS)

  • Freedom Project

  • CAfS (Cumbria Action for Sustainability)

• Performance Culture (Sponsored by Amentum):

  • Harrison Network

  • FIS360

  • Orano

• Growing Business (Sponsored by Morgan Sindall):

  • Delkia

  • Realise HR

  • No Name Travel

• Empowering the Next Generation (Sponsored by Tetra Tech):

  • Realise HR

  • RAF Engineering

  • Programme and Project Partners (PPP)

• Social Value (Sponsored by Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick):

  • Forth Engineering

  • Jacobs

  • Programme and Project Partners (PPP)

  • Mitie

• Environmental (Sponsored by Altrad Babcock):

  • ECO

  • Jacobs

  • Energus

• Innovation & Creativity (Sponsored by National Nuclear Laboratory):

  • Emerging Technology Team at Sellafield

  • Forth

  • Tetra Tech

• Micro Business (Sponsored by Jacobs):

  • Co-Lab Engineering

  • Harrison Network

  • Natterjack Marketing

  • Kinsella HR

• Business Person of the Year (Sponsored by No Name Travel and 3D 360):

  • Mark Telford- Forth Engineering

  • Craig Hatch- Tetra Tech

  • Emma Browning- Meraki HR Solutions

• Rising Star (Sponsored by KBR):

  • Louise Murphy, Time to Change

  • Sian Walton, Natterjack Marketing

  • Anya Berry, NNL

  • Hannah Pears, ISH

  • Chloe Ferguson, Forth

  • Shannon Holmes, Cumbria Health on Call

• BECBC Ambassador of the Year (Sponsored by Industrial Solutions Hub, Co-Lab Engineering, Flawed, and Natterjack Marketing):

  • Emma Jayne Gooch, Plain Purpose

  • John MacAllister, Barclays Eagle Labs

  • Mel Kinsella, Kinsella HR Solutions

Event details and ticket sales

The BECBC Awards Dinner 2024 will take place at Energus this November. Tickets for the event will go on sale from 23rd September. Given the history of this event selling out, guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early.