2020 has been a difficult year for all businesses.

The Coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to close, change the way they operate, furlough staff and reduce stock lines while also managing changes in customer demand and footfall.

Newsquest Cumbria with LocalIQ, the parent company of In Cumbria, the News & Star, The Mail, The Westmorland Gazette, The Cumberland News, The Whitehaven News, the Times and Star and The Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette, has tried to support businesses throughout the pandemic in a variety of ways including featuring the inspiration stories of how local businesspeople have diversified their operations and offering free adverts.

We believe supporting the high street is paramount if independent businesses and the county's unique shopping experiences are to surrive.

So as we navigate our way through the second national lockdown, Newsquest Cumbria is launching The Cumbria guide to shopping local for businesses to advertise details of their opening times, product offerings and best methods of purchasing.

The FREE guide will be published in all Newsquest Cumbria titles and on their associated websites to encourage shoppers to 'think local' while offering inspiration for festive gifts.

Vanessa Sims, Regional Group Editor of Newsquest Cumbria, said: "There has never been a more important time to support our local economy.

"Many Cumbrian businesses have faced extreme hardship throughout 2020 and the Coronavirus pandemic has forced many to diversify overnight.

"As a fellow Cumbrian business we understand the importance of shopping local and we hope this free guide will not only offer businesses an alternative way of reaching new customers but will also be an inspiration to festive shoppers."

To feature your business in our unique FREE guide complete this form.