Honister Slate Mine is Northern Small Business Champion 2005

Local newspaper Times & Star reports that Honister Slate Mine has been judged Northern Small Business Champion 2005. The only working slate mine, located in Borrowdale, won the title against competition from a wide range of small businesses from across the whole of the North of England and will now represent the region in the battle for the British title. The winner will be announced at the national awards ceremony at Claridges Hotel, London, on November 15.

Earlier this year, slate from the quarry was used in a garden designed by Kim Wilde, who won three awards with it at the Chelsea Flower Show. The garden can still be seen on this website via www.wilde-life.com/chelsea2005.

John Emmins, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said that owner Mark Weir had demonstrated vision, determination and drive which had revitalised the industry and resurrected crafts and skills handed down through the generations. "Honister Slate Mine is an inspirational success story, mixing a traditional industry with the demands of modern tourism. This is a company that Cumbria and the whole region can be truly proud of."

Mr Weir re-opened the mine in 1997, more than a decade after production ceased. Its green slate is sold on the open market and it attracts around 1,000 visitors a week.