STAFF at the Penrith branch of Cartmell Shepherd have spoken of their delight at being shortlisted for a prestigious local business award.

The legal firm was secretly nominated for the Penrith Stars of Business awards which bid to recognise companies which contribute to the development and economy of the area.

Now the Cartmells team have learned that following an online vote, they have been shortlisted in the Business of the Year category. The results will be announced in July at a gala dinner.

Zoe Calway is a director at Cartmells and is based in their Penrith office.

She said: “I was thrilled to receive such fantastic news. The nomination was out of the blue but such a reward for all staff in the office for their commitment to customer service and involvement in the community.”

Cartmells has invested huge amounts of energy into community activities over the last 12 months, fuelled by the business ethos of being a part of the communities it serves.

Among the events it has been involved in are Penrith Fashion Week, Penrith Goes Orange, the Penrith Show and a series of Hospice at Home events.

Staff have also been involved in activities and training relating to dementia and Alzheimers.

That – and much more – has all been achieved while staff at Cartmells deliver the friendly and professional service for which they have become well known.

The team deals with personal and business clients based in Penrith and the surrounding area, but also has clients nationally across England and Wales. They support everybody from first time buyers to small and large family businesses,

agricultural clients, charities, academies, schools and colleges.

Office manager Terri Hope said: “I was incredibly humbled just for us to be nominated for the award.

“I’d like to thank everyone who put us forward but I’m more thankful that we are part of such a wonderful community!”