‘We are here to help your business on the road to recovery’ – that was the message from Newsquest Cumbria’s sales director Lee Taylor-Craddock and regional group editor Vanessa Sims.

The Coronavirus lockdown brought the world to a standstill but as we navigate our way back to normality, Newsquest Cumbria the publisher of the News and Star, The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Westmorland Gazette, The Whitehaven News, The Times and Star, the Hexham Courant and InCumbria, wants to show its support to the communities it serves by relaunching its campaign ‘Backing Independent and Family-run Businesses’.

In Cumbria:

As part of the campaign all independently owned businesses are being offered the opportunity to have a free listing in our definitive ‘Cumbria is open for business’ guide.

Vanessa Sims, regional group editor said: “The past 10 weeks have completely changed the way we think, operate and shop as a nation.

“As we move towards normality we need to support our communities more than ever by shopping local. But before shoppers can do that, they need to know what businesses are open and Newsquest Cumbria has the perfect solution.

“Our definitive ‘Cumbria is open for business’ guide will be an A to Z of listings, as well as stories about independent and family-run businesses going above and beyond to offer great service. Act today to make sure your business is included.”

The 'Backing independent and family-run businesses' campaign is backed by Armstrong Watson, Sellafield, Kimberly Clarke, South Lakes MP Tim Farron, Barrow BID, Plant Conservatories, Windows and Doors, LLW Repository Ltd, Business Northumberland and James Fisher Nuclear.

In Cumbria:

Lee Taylor-Craddock, sales director, said: “Newsquest Cumbria and LOCALiQ are best placed to lead on this campaign as we reach a huge percentage of the local population through our brands.

“All businesses will now be focusing on their recovery and we are in a great place to help.

“We will ensure amongst this important communication that we are really banging the drum for independent and family owned businesses from all sectors including retail, hospitality and leisure and encouraging our loyal readership to show their support by shopping local.

“Any business which wants to be featured in our campaign should get in touch and we will be more than happy to provide a free listing for all independent or family-run businesses large or small across the county."

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