A WARRINGTON firm has been shortlisted as a finalist in a regional family business award.

The success of Helen Horne Funeral Directors, on Longford Street, continues as both owner Helen and employee John Ashcroft are shortlisted for awards in the North West Family Business Awards 2024.

Helen Horne, the inspiration who has fought to change the funeral industry for the better, has been announced a finalist for the Community Champion award.

Meanwhile employee John has been made a finalist for the title of Employee Excellence.

The business, which has won and been nominated for countless awards since it opened three years ago, beat strong competition with a record number of family businesses entering the awards from across the north west.

Run by The Family Business Community, the awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate family businesses from across the region and the 2024 awards will be held on Friday, May 10, at Bolton Football Stadium.

Co-Founder and director of the awards, Sue Howorth said: “With another year of increased entries we have been working with our 23 judges which are representing all five counties of the north west, and we know they have had extremely difficult decisions to make.

“Our finalists should be extremely proud of themselves for being recognised in this year’s shortlist.

Meanwhile co-director, Dave Clarkson added: "A huge thank you to everyone who has invested time filling in their application forms.

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity and attention to detail in the applications.”

Lastly, commenting on the short listed titles, Helen Horne said: “We are extremely overwhelmed with the news.”

The finalists will now receive a visit from the specially selected panel of judges from across the region before the judges make their final decisions.