THE talents of a successful Cumbrian businesswoman have been recognised with a coveted
win at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Entrepreneur Kirsty MacKenzie, managing director of Ulverston-headquartered Lakeland
Inns, was among a strong contingent of Cumbrian businesswomen at the 2019 Enterprise
Vision Awards on Friday.
She went on to secure victory in the hospitality category at the glittering event held at The
Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Kirsty, 29, said: “I was overwhelmed to win the award because I know it was such a tough
category. The other finalists are incredibly inspirational and operate fantastic businesses.
“I still don’t know who nominated me for an Eva award in the first place. This whole
experience has been amazing.
“I couldn’t do what I do without the help of the team at Lakeland Inns so any award I receive
is shared with them. It’s their victory too.”
Mum of twins Kirsty took over the lease of The Sun Inn, in Ulverston, with husband Scott in
2015, before overseeing a complete overhaul of the popular pub.
She went on to take on the lease of The Commodore in Grange in 2017 as well as The
Black Cock at Broughton later that year.
Then in September 2018 Lakeland Inns purchased Stringers Brewery which provides a
range of artisan ales and gluten-free beers.
The Eva Awards recognise the talents and achievements of female entrepreneurs across the
North West.
Kirsty was named as a finalist in May with an interview before a panel of judges taking place
this summer.
She said she was motivated every day to set a shining example for her daughters as well as
to ensure job security for her 70-strong south Cumbrian team.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to have won such a prestigious award, particularly as the Evas
celebrate women in business.
“I’m very proud of both the award and of everything we’ve achieved here so far.
“Running a business is a big responsibility. That’s why we’ve always reinvested into
Lakeland Inns so it continues to grow successfully into the future.”
Kirsty added: “It’s not a solo effort though. We all work incredibly hard to make sure our
customers have a good experience and want to return to us time and time again.”