Trudy has praised the borough’s small-business owners for the service they offer their customers and community.

Trudy spent Small Business Saturday visiting small businesses across Copeland, meeting the management and staff of:

• Make New and Mend in Market Square, Millom – a fabric and haberdashery store, with design, production and alteration services. It also has a café and space for social gatherings.
• The Clock Tower in Market Square, Millom – a restaurant and bar, specialising in cocktails, and is currently undergoing a significant upgrade to its upper floor.
• The Woodlands Bistro and Tea Room in Santon Bridge – homemade food and cakes in a woodland setting, with the adjoining Gift Shop stocking high-quality local produce and artwork
• Deja Brew in Main Street, Egremont – food and drinks with an Asian twist, including the signature bubble tea. The business has recently announced the opening of a new store at Sneckyeat Industrial Estate in Whitehaven.

Trudy said: “It was a pleasure spending Small Business Saturday visiting a sample of the many excellent small businesses we have in Copeland.

“The passion and ambition the owners have for their businesses shines through.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and we are lucky to have such quality and diversity on our doorsteps.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “We all know the impact that COVID-19 has had on our small businesses, and we have all been humbled by the resilience, resolve and determination they have shown in innovating and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic.

“Small Business Saturday 2021 is an opportunity to celebrate our small businesses and this Conservative government will make sure the UK’s many businesses have the support and skills they need to drive the innovation, growth and job creation we need as we move towards a secure and prosperous future.”

Mrs Harrison is also using Small Business Saturday to promote two Help To Grow schemes, launched by the Government to provide small-business owners with world-class management training and digital skills.

For further information, visit www.helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk.