In more normal times Merrick’s #LawToDoor service would be taking our team of experienced family lawyers on the road. Since the coronavirus outbreak we have been forced to pause our usual travels, but are still looking to support our communities in any way we can.

We recently shared a list of brilliant small businesses in Manchester who need our help to recover after months of lockdown restrictions. Our latest post highlights another six worthy of your support. This time they’re all independent businesses in Cumbria.

Eunice & Blue

First up is a family business making soap from the milk produced by their own tribe of goats. This small Cockermouth enterprise is primarily run by mum and entrepreneur Jane who creates the bars at her kitchen table. Each soap is vegetarian, wrapped in recycled card and free of palm oil, parabens and SLS. The goat’s milk makes the soap beautifully creamy. Many users praise it for its compatibility with very dry and eczema-prone skin. Head to their online shop to shop scents like lemongrass, lavender and honey, or check out their Facebook page to find out what the goats are up to!

Shaun Derby Photography

Shaun is a freelance photographer based in Ulverston. His work is commonly based around the stunning Lake District countryside, although he also offers services including commercial photography, workshops and portrait photography for families, couples and children. Two of Shaun’s images were shortlisted in the Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition in 2019, you can see examples of his stunning images for yourself on his website and Facebook page. You can support him by purchasing one of his prints online or hiring him for one of his other services.

Poppi Red

A Hawkshead shop and café bringing creations from across the local area together in one quaint place. The store is packed full of gifts, homeware, accessories and beauty products. The individually-styled café offers visitors a selection of delicious sandwiches and sweet treats. Poppi Red has, of course, been closed over recent months but a selection of products are available to order from their website, have a browse if you like country-style home furnishings and artisanal fashion and beauty products! It is also worth keeping an eye on their social media pages to stay up to date with their planned reopening and other services they offer.

Yard 46

A Good Food Award winner for Cafes in both 2019 and 2020. This bakery and café was inspired by chefs and artisans who create beautifully simple food from exceptional produce. Since opening in 2017, the store has worked with carefully selected suppliers to produce great food, serve wonderful coffee and offer top class service amongst inspirational décor. Their famous sourdough is baked fresh on site every morning, along with other breads and sweet treats. When lockdown began in March Yard 46 was forced to close its doors to the public. Instead you can now access their delicious range of bakes at Rattle Ghyll Deli in Ambleside, takeaway their  sourdough pizza from The Factory Tap in Kendal, or order bread from them directly on specific days. Find out the best way to get your fix of baked goods via their Facebook page.

Shed 1 Gin

Small batch gin produced by husband and wife team Andy and Zoe in Ulverston. The range of classically distilled tipples has won a plethora of awards for flavour and sustainability. ‘Cuckold’s Revenge’ is a classically aromatic gin with citrus and spice flavours. It received an outstanding Great Taste Award in 2016, just after the company was launched. Other varieties include Fancy Frolic, with hints of ginger and strawberry, and Giggle in the Ginnel with elderberry and orange zest. All of their carefully crafted gins are available to buy online. They do gift vouchers, a make-your-own gin kit and other gin-based products and are currently offering a 10% discount too! The Shed 1 Gin Facebook page is also regularly updated with information about their homemade hand sanitiser. G&Tea baskets are available via a click and collect service, plus their refill scheme which aims to encourage customers to reuse their gin bottles!

Begin With Nature

Founder Sandra developed a real love for natural, handmade products after experimenting with creating beauty products at home. She set up her Kendal company producing cruelty-free vegan bath and body creations following trials of recipes at home. Her artisan soaps, bath bombs, shampoo and conditioner bars are packed with essential oils and are available from her website. Sandra has been busy inventing new products over the lockdown period. Head down to her shop in Kendal to find out what she has been creating or go to the Begin With Nature Facebook page.

Which independent businesses in Cumbria are you supporting out of lockdown? Let us know.