THE ELITE AWARDS
Award Categories
These awards spotlight individuals who make a tangible impact on shaping our community and county every day, reinforcing the idea that positive change begins at local level.
The awards are completely free to enter, the only cost is if you are shortlisted, at least one member of the business or individual to be present on the evening. If you are shortlisted we will provide a link to purchase your tickets online.
Who can be nominated:
A dynamic individual who started a business completely on their own and turned it into a success story. They are an inspiring example for those wanting to take the leap into entrepreneurship, showcasing the courage and dedication it takes to go solo.
Criteria:
Started and built a business independently (no co-founders).
Demonstrates significant personal involvement in the business's growth and operations.
Achieved notable success and growth in their field or industry.
Serves as an inspiration to others considering starting a business on their own.
Exhibits qualities of resilience, creativity, and leadership.
This category is perfect for:
Visionaries who took the bold step to launch their own business, overcame challenges, and now serve as a powerful example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself and your idea. If you know someone whose journey can inspire others to be brave and adventurous in business, this is their category!
Who can be nominated:
An individual who has built an influential presence on social media, using their platform to engage, inspire, and connect with a wide audience. They’ve made a significant impact through content creation, storytelling, or building a loyal online community.
Criteria:
Has a strong and engaged following on one or more social media platforms.
Creates consistent, original content that resonates with their audience.
Positively influences their community through education, entertainment, or inspiration.
Demonstrates authenticity and creativity in their online persona.
Uses their platform for good, whether through advocacy, raising awareness, or supporting causes.
This category is perfect for:
Anyone who has harnessed the power of social media to make waves, whether it’s by creating viral content, fostering meaningful online conversations, or influencing change. If they’ve built an online empire with creativity and purpose, this is where they shine!
Who can be nominated:
An inspiring individual who is recognised for their resilience, determination, leadership, and contribution to the community. This person leads by example, overcoming challenges while making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others through their hard work, dedication, and positive influence.
Criteria:
- Actively contributes to local community life in Cumberland.
- Demonstrates resilience, perseverance, and determination in the face of challenges.
- Inspires and uplifts others through their achievements, attitude, leadership, or actions.
- Successfully balances responsibilities while continuing to make a positive impact.
- Achieves visible, measurable results that benefit others, their workplace, field, or local community.
- Respected and admired for their integrity, commitment, and ability to motivate others.
- Serves as a positive role model through their hard work, community spirit, and dedication.
This category is perfect for:
Individuals who are making a real difference in the community through their strength, perseverance, and commitment to others. Whether through leadership, community work, business, family life, or overcoming adversity, these are the people who inspire those around them and leave a lasting impact on Cumberland. If you know someone whose actions, resilience, and achievements deserve recognition, this is their moment to shine!
Who can be nominated:
A well-established business that has stood the test of time, successfully passing through generations while continuing to grow, evolve, and make a lasting impact. This award celebrates businesses built on strong values, resilience, and dedication—where legacy, reputation, and community remain at the heart of everything they do.
Criteria:
- Has been successfully operated across multiple generations or maintained a long-standing family or legacy connection.
- Demonstrates longevity, resilience, and the ability to adapt and evolve over time.
- Maintains strong values, traditions, and a commitment to quality, service, or craftsmanship.
- Continues to make a meaningful contribution to the local economy and community.
- Shows continued growth, innovation, or progression while honouring the foundations of the business.
- Has built a trusted reputation and lasting relationships with customers, employees, and the wider community.
- Inspires future generations through leadership, dedication, and long-term success.
This category is perfect for:
Businesses that have become part of Cumberland’s story—those built on generations of hard work, passion, and perseverance. Whether passed down through family generations or carrying a proud legacy through decades of service, these are the businesses that continue to thrive while staying true to their roots. If you know a business whose history, reputation, and impact deserve to be celebrated, this category is where they belong!
Who can be nominated:
A visionary individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, embodying the essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur. This person has undertaken the challenge of creating or growing a business, showing innovation, and a bold willingness to take risks. They’ve built something impactful, whether through new ideas, products, or business models.
Criteria:
- Founded or significantly expanded a business that has shown measurable success.
- Demonstrates strategic decision-making.
- Introduces innovative ideas, products, or services that challenge the status quo.
- Overcame obstacles and took risks to bring their entrepreneurial vision to life.
This category is perfect for:
True creators and innovators who have transformed their ideas into reality, setting a powerful example of what it means to be an entrepreneur. If you know someone whose entrepreneurial journey has led to meaningful success and impact, they deserve recognition here!
Who can be nominated:
A business that was born out of passion or the need to adapt to life’s changes and is now thriving. This is a business that has quickly proven to be a success, attracting a loyal customer base and showing strong potential for future growth. The founder’s decision to take the leap has paid off, and the business is making waves in its industry.
Criteria:
Recently established business that is already showing strong results and growth.
Founded from a passion or life-changing circumstances that sparked the business idea.
Attracts and retains happy customers who are central to its success.
Demonstrates a clear appetite for growth and expansion in the near future.
Serves as an inspiring example of turning a personal passion or challenge into a successful venture.
This category is perfect for:
Entrepreneurs who have turned their passion or adaptability into a thriving business. If you know a business that’s making a mark, attracting happy customers, and is on the rise, this is where they deserve recognition!
Who can be nominated:
A person or business that has made a significant, lasting impact on Carlisle, our historic Border city. This individual or organization has contributed to making Carlisle a more desirable place to live, work, and play, attracting people from far afield with its rich history, green spaces, fresh air, and welcoming atmosphere. They’ve helped elevate Carlisle’s reputation as a tolerant, multicultural city with great leisure options and vibrant places to go out.
Criteria:
Actively involved in enhancing Carlisle’s community, infrastructure, or culture.
Contributed to making Carlisle a more attractive city for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Improved or created new leisure spots, entertainment venues, or desirable places to go out.
Promoted Carlisle’s outdoor beauty, green spaces, and historic charm.
Helped foster a welcoming, tolerant environment, embracing multiculturalism and diversity.
This category is perfect for:
Those who have transformed Carlisle into a city where history meets opportunity, with vibrant leisure options and a welcoming atmosphere. If you know someone who has enriched the city’s lifestyle, making it a top choice for living, working, and enjoying leisure time, this is the category to celebrate their achievements!
Who Can Be Nominated:
This award is open to young men and women between the ages of 18 and 29 who live in or have strong ties to the Cumberland region. Nominees should be individuals who are making a significant impact in the community through their work, creativity, or leadership. Whether they excel in business, the arts, technology, social causes, or community service, these individuals are seen as rising stars who are shaping the future of Cumberland.
Nominees should be people who:
- Are actively involved in the Cumberland community.
- Show leadership qualities in their field or initiatives.
- Bring innovative ideas or solutions to local challenges.
- Inspire others through their actions and vision for the future.
This category is perfect for young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, artists, and anyone else who is contributing to the positive development of Cumberland and making a difference for the future.
The "Heart of Gold Award - Charity of the Year" honours registered charities or individuals within charities that have made a significant and positive impact on the Cumberland community and its surrounding areas. This award recognizes organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of children, vulnerable populations, arts or protecting animals, showcasing exceptional commitment and effectiveness in their charitable efforts.
Nominees should be registered charities that:
Have a Proven Record of Impact:
Demonstrate a history of effective contributions to the Cumberland community and surrounding areas, with measurable results and positive outcomes.
Support Children, Vulnerable Groups, Arts or Animals:
Focus on helping children, vulnerable populations, arts or animals in need, providing essential services, support, and opportunities.
Show Exceptional Dedication:
Exhibit a strong, consistent commitment to their mission, and make a meaningful difference.
Innovate to Address Local Challenges:
Implement creative and effective solutions to tackle specific issues faced by the community, arts or animals, adapting to changing needs.
Operate with Integrity and Transparency:
Maintain high standards of accountability and transparency, building trust with donors, beneficiaries, and the community.
This category is perfect for:
Recognizing registered charities and individuals within charities that are making a profound impact in Carlisle and its surrounding areas within the Cumberland area through dedicated service to children, vulnerable groups, arts and animals, and whose work exemplifies the spirit of community, compassion, and care.
The "Icon of Creativity" award celebrates individuals or initiatives that drive Cumberland’s cultural and creative growth. This award honours those who make exceptional contributions to the city’s artistic landscape through their innovative projects, community engagement, and artistic excellence.
Nominees should be:
Contributors to Cultural Growth:
Individuals or initiatives that enhance Cumberland's cultural scene through artistic performances, exhibitions, public art, or creative projects.
Innovators in Creativity:
Those who introduce unique and original ideas, pushing the boundaries of creativity and offering fresh perspectives in their work.
Community Engagers:
People or projects that actively involve and inspire the local community, fostering participation and appreciation of the arts.
Exemplars of Artistic Excellence:
Nominees who demonstrate a high level of skill and craftsmanship in their creative work, gaining respect and recognition in their field.
Influencers of Local Cultural Development:
Individuals or initiatives that contribute to the development and reputation of Cumberland as a hub for creativity and cultural expression.
Inspirational Figures:
Those who inspire and motivate others in the community to explore their own creativity and engage in artistic endeavours.
This category is perfect for:
Honouring those who drive Cumberland’s cultural and creative growth through their exceptional artistic contributions, innovative projects, and community engagement, and who make a lasting impact on the county’s cultural vitality.
The Energy & Green Innovation Award celebrates businesses in Cumberland that are leading the way when it comes to environmental innovation and energy efficiency. This category recognises those who are not just adapting to change, but driving it—pioneering new technologies, transforming operations, and setting new standards for a greener future.
Whether it’s reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, or developing cutting-edge solutions, these businesses are proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
Nominees should be businesses that:
Lead with Innovation:
Implement forward-thinking solutions that significantly improve environmental performance, whether through technology, infrastructure, or new processes.
Drive Energy Efficiency:
Actively reduce energy consumption or transition towards renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
Deliver Measurable Impact:
Demonstrate clear, data-backed results such as reduced emissions, improved efficiency, or large-scale environmental improvements.
Influence Industry Standards:
Set an example within their sector, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable and energy-conscious practices.
Invest in the Future:
Show a long-term commitment to environmental progress, with ongoing strategies and ambitions for continued improvement.
This category is perfect for:
Organisations across Cumberland—from large-scale industry and infrastructure projects to forward-thinking businesses—who are pushing boundaries and making a significant, measurable impact on the environment through innovation and energy excellence.
The Sustainable Impact Award recognises businesses in Cumberland that are embedding sustainability into the heart of everything they do. These are the companies showing that you don’t have to be huge to make a big difference—through conscious choices, responsible practices, and a genuine commitment to protecting our planet.
From reducing waste and sourcing responsibly to engaging their community and inspiring change, these businesses are making sustainability part of their everyday story.
Nominees should be businesses that:
Live and Breathe Sustainability:
Integrate eco-friendly practices across their operations, from waste reduction and recycling to sustainable sourcing.
Create Positive Impact:
Make a meaningful difference to the environment and their local community through their actions and initiatives.
Act Responsibly:
Demonstrate ethical decision-making in areas such as supply chains, materials, and partnerships.
Engage and Inspire:
Encourage employees, customers, and the wider community to adopt more sustainable behaviours.
Continuously Improve:
Show a commitment to evolving their sustainability efforts, setting new goals, and striving to do better year on year.
This category is perfect for:
Small to medium-sized businesses, hospitality venues, retailers, and community-led organisations across Cumberland that are championing sustainability in a practical, authentic, and impactful way.
