Local entrepreneur Mel Walmsley, Company Director of Lakes Sandwiches Ltd. and Brandreth Foods Ltd., is celebrating a significant achievement as she prepares to attend the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) on Friday, 27th September 2024. Mel has been named a finalist in the Family Business category.
The EVAs, held annually in Blackpool, are the UK’s largest business awards dedicated solely to women, recognising the achievements of female entrepreneurs across the North West. Celebrating their 13th year, the awards honour women excelling in their fields, and this year’s event promises to be one of the biggest yet.
Mel’s journey to becoming a finalist began earlier in the year when she was nominated for the award and invited to submit an application. Following a rigorous process, including a 20-minute interview consisting of a five-minute presentation and 15 minutes of questioning by a panel of expert judges, her entry was successful.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as a finalist,” said Mel. “It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women and to represent our family-run businesses, which have been built with dedication and a commitment to supporting local suppliers and our community.”
Both of Mel’s businesses, Lakes Sandwiches Ltd. and Brandreth Foods Ltd., pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and offering hand-crafted, high-quality food. Lakes Sandwiches provides fresh food2go solutions for local retailers as well as outside catering options for both corporate and private events, while Brandreth Foods focuses on nutritious, hand-made convenience meals, supporting local farmers and food producers.
Mel’s success in the Family Business category is especially meaningful as she reflects on the values that have shaped both companies. “At the heart of our businesses is a deep-rooted commitment to the local community and to creating something that families can feel proud of – whether it’s a freshly prepared sandwich or a nutritious, handmade meal.”
Mel isn’t the only Cumbrian finalist attending the awards, with six other local businesswomen also competing across various categories. “It’s fantastic to see so many women from Cumbria represented this year. It speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit and talent in our county,” she added.
The awards night will bring together inspiring women from across the region, offering a platform to celebrate innovation, hard work, and success. As Mel heads to the awards ceremony, she remains grateful for the journey thus far and excited about the future for both Lakes Sandwiches and Brandreth Foods.
About the EVAs:
The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) are the North West’s most prestigious awards for women in business. They celebrate the success of women in a wide range of industries and have been a key event in the business calendar since 2011. For more information, visit https://enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.
The awards ceremony will be live streamed across the world from 7pm on Friday 27th September: https://enterprisevisionawards.co.uk/live-stream/
About Mel Walmsley:
Mel Walmsley is the Director of Lakes Sandwiches Ltd. and Brandreth Foods Ltd. Lakes Sandwiches provides fresh food2go solutions for local retailers as well as outside catering options for both corporate and private events, while Brandreth Foods offers nutritious, handmade ready meals. Both businesses are based in Kendal, Cumbria, and are dedicated to sourcing local ingredients and supporting the local community.
