The last twelve months have been incredibly difficult for small business including hospitality, retail and salons.

Business have been forced to close for months at a time and strict rules and regulations have been implemented on their reopening.

Unfortunately, some small businesses struggled to cope, and their owners have decided to sell up.

If you fancy taking on the challenge of a new business, then there are plenty of retail units and businesses on the market waiting for new owners.

Here are some shops currently on the market in Cumbria.

English Street, Carlisle

£275,000

The Works shop in Carlisle for sale on English Street. Picture: Rightmove

The Works shop in Carlisle for sale on English Street. Picture: Rightmove

The property is situated on English Street, the prime shopping street in Carlisle. Nearby national retailers include Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, Boots, W H Smith, River Island and Tesco.

The premises are arranged over ground and first floors. The staircase to the second floor has been removed.

The shop benefits from a traditional modern timber shop front. With the exception of the loading doors and small storage area to the rear of the ground floor, the remainder of the ground floor is in retail use and fitted out in "The Works" standard shop fit.

South William Street, Workington

£115,000

South William Street, Workington, retail property for sale. Picture: Rightmove

South William Street, Workington, retail property for sale. Picture: Rightmove

The property comprises a large retail space with four large display windows, and a kitchen and w/c to the rear. To the first and second floor are five rooms, with potential for conversion to a residential property.

Large retail premises suitable for many uses such as pharmacy, convenience store, hairdressers, off licence turf accountants or office premises.

Market Place, Whitehaven

£99,950

Market Place, Whitehaven. Picture: Rightmove

Market Place, Whitehaven. Picture: Rightmove

Number 16 has potential to create different options to a range of potential purchasers and has a massive bonus with the private external area and storage sheds.

The retail area is spacious with room to the rear, first floor space and kitchen area.

This property is an absolute gem and really must be seen to appreciate the opportunity it offers.

Kendal

£57,500

Hairdresser / Barber Shop for sale in Kendal. Picture: Rightmove

Hairdresser / Barber Shop for sale in Kendal. Picture: Rightmove

The business for sale is a well-established hair salon located in Cumbria, which has an excellent reputation in the local community and a loyal customer base.

The hair salon is located in a fantastic spot in a residential area, and is close to schools, car parking and excellent transport links. Finding local customers within the community should be no problem at all for the new owner.

The salon comes extremely well-equipped, and the following equipment is included in the sale: 3 chairs, dryer bank with 2 driers, mirrors, wash basins, footrests.

Ainslie Street, Barrow

£195,000

Ainslie Street, Barrow. Retail property for sale. Picture: Rightmove

Ainslie Street, Barrow. Retail property for sale. Picture: Rightmove

The sale is due to retirement of the owners. The property has excellent potential for development and the added bonus of currently being the only interflora member in the Furness area.

The property benefits from large display shop floor with workshops and storage areas and would be an ideal investment opportunity suitable for a variety of purchasers.